The Veteran's DM2 with diabetic retinopathy is rated at 20 percent, and the separate compensable rating for diabetic neuropathy is denied.,For the period prior to November 13, 2012, the Veteran's neuropathy of the right lower extremity warrants a 40 percent disability rating under DC 8520, and his neuropathy of the left lower extremity warrants an 80 percent disability rating under DC 8520. The Veteran's neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are not service-connected.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support additional service connection for coronary artery disease or TDIU as due to service-connected disabilities prior to November 13, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Neuropathy of the left upper extremity, Neuropathy of the right upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22046749
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 22046749.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (sciatic), and diabetes mellitus Type 2, combine to result in physical or mental impairment that renders him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person. However, the need for aid and attendance must be determined without considering nonservice-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple nerve injuries, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding cataracts. The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, SMC, and hypertension are pending.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
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.