The Veteran's ratings for bilateral eye retinopathy and cataracts, nephropathy with hypertension, thoracic fracture with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve were all denied. The Veteran's ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and bilateral peripheral vascular disease, keloid chest scar (shrapnel wound), PTSD, and TDIU based on PTSD alone were granted. Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate was also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings in most cases due to lack of improvement or evidence of actual change in ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Eye Retinopathy and Cataracts, Nephropathy with Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22019743
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 22019743.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and nephropathy with hypertension were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee replacement, coronary artery disease, nephropathy with hypertension, and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, are sufficient to qualify for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability as of June 17, 2011.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus has been granted at a 40 percent level, but his nephropathy with hypertension remains under review as the evidence is insufficient to determine its impact on his employment and daily activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and for a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The issues of an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD since March 1, 2008, and entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.