The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and pseudophakia, as well as the grants of service connection for right upper extremity, right lower extremity, left upper extremity, and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, are all denied prior to December 27, 2019.
The deciding factor: The effective date is fixed in accordance with the facts found but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the claim or date entitlement arose, whichever is later. In this case, the earliest date as of which it was factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred was December 27, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Retinopathy with Macular Edema and Pseudophakia, Right Upper Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Upper Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2024
- Citation
- A24076398
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 A24076398.
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 Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and various peripheral neuropathies have been granted increased ratings. Effective August 16, 2023, the Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU rating and DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of September 3, 2020 for individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on a need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, which includes PTSD, diabetes, hearing loss, and other conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD, granted a 40% initial rating for left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and denied an increased rating for right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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.