The Veteran's left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent effective from the dates specified.,Service connection for a left hip disability secondary to bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus, has also been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's medical records documented significant symptoms including numbness in both feet, inability to walk more than a few feet, and instability resulting from falls. These symptoms were consistent with the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8521.,Service connection was granted based on evidence showing that diabetes mellitus required regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) as per the criteria for a 40 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy of the popliteal nerve, right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy of the popliteal nerve, diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2024
- Citation
- 24017012
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 24017012.
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 Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Granted
The Veteran's Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular Aid and Attendance is granted as of April 25, 2024.,For diabetes mellitus, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
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