The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy with cataracts was rated noncompensable (0 percent) prior to March 8, 2021. The Board found no evidence of decreased visual acuity or other visual impairment, or incapacitating episodes.,For diabetes mellitus, type II, the Veteran received a 20 percent rating from April 27, 2007 to February 3, 2021 and a 40 percent rating as of February 3, 2021. The Veteran seeks higher ratings for both periods.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any incapacitating episodes or decreased visual acuity that would warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Retinopathy with Cataracts, Diabetes Mellitus, Type II
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21075674
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21075674.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and effective dates have been denied. The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are currently rated at 60 percent, 20 percent, and varying percentages respectively.
- Granted
The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the condition first manifested during military service and is related to in-service glycosuria.
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