Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has not resulted in significant symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope at a workload of 5-7 METs. The disability does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for special adapted housing and equipment, which has been granted. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Board finds that the weight of the competent, probative evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's chronic lower extremity venous insufficiency is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes. As such, service connection for bilateral lower extremity chronic venous insufficiency secondary to diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with renal insufficiency is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for his diabetes, and there are no compensable complications such as renal insufficiency or retinopathy to warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease have been granted. The claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after service, and denied the Veteran's claims for back injury, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and prostate disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II claim has been reopened. His right hand disability and prostatitis have been granted increased evaluations.

The Veteran's widow has been granted service connection for the claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, due to herbicide exposure during his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his current sleep apnea is related to service, including diabetes mellitus type II, and whether any service-connected conditions or medications aggravate his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia and bone spurs is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, lung disorder, and skin disorder was denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury. The Board found that the Veteran did not have herbicide exposure during service and thus could not establish presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, claimed as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), is being remanded because the VA needs to verify if he served in the inland waterways of Vietnam during his military service. The deck logs from his ship are needed to substantiate this.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides or other chemicals, is being remanded for additional development including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right hearing loss and tinnitus. He also claims hypertension and diabetes mellitus as due to exposure to Agent Orange.,The Veteran seeks service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy as secondary to prostate cancer. He also seeks a higher rating for prostate cancer, including urinary incontinence and the need for absorbent materials.,Service connection is granted for hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus as due to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's prostate cancer warrants a 40 percent disability rating since September 1, 2008.,The Veteran seeks an increased rating for PTSD. He also seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was first manifested during active duty and is therefore granted service connection. The claims for hypertension and diabetes mellitus are remanded as additional VA treatment records may be needed to substantiate the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be of sufficient severity to preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and the claim for a TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than December 14, 2007 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is not warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a low back disorder, bilateral leg disorder, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss was denied.,No current right or left leg disability was found. The Veteran has been granted service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records from VA facilities, private medical providers, and SSA.