The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were granted higher ratings, with the neuropathy receiving a 40% rating since November 17, 2021.
The deciding factor: The February 2022 VA examination indicated that the Veteran's symptoms of numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in his lower extremities were moderate to moderately severe, meeting the criteria for a higher rating under DC 8520 (sciatic nerve) and DC 8526 (femoral nerve).
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Bilateral Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic and Femoral Nerves)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2024
- Citation
- 24017272
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 24017272.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2, and erectile dysfunction, effective May 24, 2021.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 15, 2023.
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