The Veteran's heart condition, left and right sciatic diabetic neuropathies are all granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The initial disability ratings for both conditions have been increased to 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's current symptoms of numbness, tingling, and pain in his legs were consistent with moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, warranting a 40% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Heart condition, Left sciatic diabetic neuropathy, Right sciatic diabetic neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2026
- Citation
- 26000420
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 26000420.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a heart condition is dismissed as the Board has already granted it. The appeal for increased rating of PTSD is also dismissed due to the grant of service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, basal cell carcinoma, bilateral pseudophakia, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis (bilateral eye conditions), diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and heart condition due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos is conceded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, basal cell carcinoma, bilateral pseudophakia, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis (bilateral eye conditions), diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and heart condition due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos is conceded.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of a heart condition as secondary to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and stimulant use disorder. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's heart condition is related to his long-term alcohol use disorder.
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