The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right and left lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy are not rated higher than the current levels. The earlier effective dates for service connection of these conditions have also been denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires regulation of activities or that his upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy warrants ratings in excess of 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type II, Right Upper Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Upper Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity Femoral Nerve, Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity Femoral Nerve, Peripheral Neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24084986
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 A24084986.
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 service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and effective dates have been denied. The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are currently rated at 60 percent, 20 percent, and varying percentages respectively.
- Granted
The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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.