The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, as the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were found to be at best moderate in severity, and there was no evidence of ketoacidosis, hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization, or other factors that would warrant a higher rating. The Board also determined that the effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits could not be earlier than February 20, 2023.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, type II, Erectile dysfunction, Diabetic retinopathy, Macular edema, Cataracts, Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity (radial nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2025
- Citation
- A25034238
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.
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The Board granted an effective date of May 29, 2019 for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder but denied earlier effective dates and increased ratings for other conditions.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 5, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD and denied earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, migraines, and other conditions.
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