The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service.,Before January 1, 2016, the Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent and not higher due to lack of very frequent, completely prostrating attacks. Beginning January 1, 2016, his rating was increased to 50 percent based on more severe symptoms.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is related to service or any incident therein.,The Veteran's headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before January 1, 2016, as they were not characterized by very frequent, completely prostrating attacks. After this date, his symptoms met the criteria for a 50 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, type II, posttraumatic headaches with photophobia, muscle disorder, lower back disorder, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder), TDIU due to service-connected disabilities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24028237
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 A24028237.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims for sleep apnea and an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The decision finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD.
- Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted on a secondary basis with obesity serving as an intermediate step due to service-connected low back disability, sciatica, and right shoulder disabilities.
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.