The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, a heart condition as secondary to hypertension, and lower extremity vascular disability as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2. The claims for peripheral neuropathy in all four extremities and amputation of toes were also granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2. However, the claims for a neck condition, COPD, gall bladder removal, and chronic kidney disease were denied.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence supported service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart condition as secondary to hypertension due to their relationship with the Veteran's service-connected hypertension. The claim for a neck condition was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service or another service-connected disability, while other claims were granted based on medical opinions indicating they are secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2.

Claimed conditions

Diabetes mellitus type 2, Heart condition (secondary to hypertension), Neck condition, Lower extremity vascular disability (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2), Peripheral neuropathy of the lower right extremity (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2), Peripheral neuropathy of the upper right extremity (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2), Peripheral neuropathy of the lower left extremity (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2), Peripheral neuropathy of the upper left extremity (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2), Amputation of 5 toes (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Low back disability (secondary to service-connected knee disability), Gall bladder removal, Kidney condition (secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2)

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

November 7, 2025

Citation

A25097321

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine