The Board denied higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all extremities. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for left knee osteochondritis with arthritic changes based on painful motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of regulation of activities, ketoacidosis, or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization. The separate 10 percent rating was granted based on painful motion in the left knee.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (right upper extremity), Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (right lower extremity), Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), Left knee osteochondritis with arthritic changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25032684
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation at the intermediate rate between (m) and (n), effective October 24, 2023. The Board remands issues related to higher staged ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities and higher levels of special monthly compensation.
- 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.
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