The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected nephropathy with hypertension, DM II, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, and CAD. However, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions had improved or worsened in a way that would warrant an increased rating under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Residual surgical scar, Mild nephropathy with hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, type II (DM II), Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease status coronary artery bypass graft (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2025
- Citation
- 25004796
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 is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding no evidence that his death was related to any injury or disease in service, including exposure to herbicide agents.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied various claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, with the exception of granting a 10 percent rating for right knee instability.
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