The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.
The deciding factor: The August 2023 VA examination findings indicated mild incomplete paralysis for the median nerves in both upper extremities, with no evidence of moderate or severe impairment required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 13, 2024
- Citation
- A24073901
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.
- Granted
The Board granted initial evaluations of 20 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, carotid disease, chronic kidney disease, COPD, and type 2 diabetes mellitus are dismissed as moot.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is granted an effective date of May 13, 2019, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) and a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.
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