The Veteran's claim for increased rating of diabetes mellitus type II with nephropathy was denied. The claims for right upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, left upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, early senile cataracts in both eyes, blepharitis, hypertensive retinopathy, and macular epiretinal membrane in the right eye were all denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with nephropathy did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it required insulin and a restricted diet but no regulation of activities. The claims for radiculopathy, cataracts, retinopathy, and macular epiretinal membrane were denied as they were service-connected.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus type II with nephropathy, Right upper extremity radiculopathy, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left upper extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Early senile cataracts in both eyes, Blepharitis, Hypertensive retinopathy, Macular epiretinal membrane in right eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23003117
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 23003117.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was evaluated at a 20 percent rating, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the claims for psychiatric disability and sleep apnea.,Service connection was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a service-connected back disability, but denied for right wrist disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
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