The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2, are denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date or an increased rating as the disability is currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7913, which requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is only requiring a hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, type 2
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 4, 2026
- Citation
- A26019323
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 A26019323.
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.
- Denied
The Board has vacated the January 2026 decision granting service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to fraudulent evidence. The Veteran's claim is denied as there is no credible evidence linking his diabetes to service or a service-connected condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty-to-assist error regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and Agent Orange during service. The claims are now pending for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bradyarrhythmia status post dual-chamber pacemaker placement, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to a failure to verify the Veteran's reported herbicide agent exposure during service. The AOJ is instructed to take all appropriate steps to verify this exposure and issue a TERA memorandum regarding toxic exposures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The RO should obtain a TERA opinion considering all applicable exposures, including asbestos and ignited substances.
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