The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercholesterolemia is denied as it is a laboratory finding and not a disease or disability.,The effective dates for the awards of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and major depressive disorder with PTSD are both set at May 27, 2018, when the Veteran filed an intent to file a claim followed by a formal application in October 2018.,The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than 10 percent as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is currently rated at 10 percent, but no higher, due to lack of myxedema and other complications.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II remains rated at 20 percent as it does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7913.,Major depressive disorder with PTSD is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for the entire period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypercholesterolemia was found to be a laboratory finding and not a disease or disability as contemplated by VA regulations.,There were no prior unadjudicated claims for diabetes mellitus type II or major depressive disorder with PTSD, thus the effective dates are set at May 27, 2018.,The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101 as there is no history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication for control.,Hypothyroidism was diagnosed many years prior to the date of claim and has been controlled with medication, thus not meeting the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7903.,Diabetes mellitus type II does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913 as it is manageable by a restricted diet only.,Major depressive disorder with PTSD meets the criteria for an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, due to occupational and social impairment in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus type II, major depressive disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23002988
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23002988.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic nephropathy, and prostate cancer. The issues of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) are remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and panic disorder with insomnia. The decision finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the erectile dysfunction was caused by these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a 20% rating for diabetes mellitus type II from June 20, 2020. The right ankle scar claim is remanded due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled examination. The GERD secondary to diabetes mellitus claim and TDIU issue are also remanded.
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