The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of depressive disorder, diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities affecting the sciatic and femoral nerves have been denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations in September 2023.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU has also been denied as it is dependent on the claims for increased ratings which were denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran failed to provide good cause for failing to report for scheduled VA examinations, and his claims are therefore decided based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as it is dependent on the claims for increased ratings which were denied.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity (Femoral Nerve), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity (Femoral Nerve), Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23068128
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 23068128.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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.