Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the appellant's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2 needs further development and a supplemental opinion is required.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on his TDIU claim and scheduling of a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need to verify his in-country visitation to Da Nang, Vietnam during active duty. The RO must request additional information and conduct further searches of unit records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's astrocytoma was etiologically related to his presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim will be readjudicated based on this new information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for his diabetes mellitus, as well as his claim for an initial compensable rating for chemical injury residuals of the eyes. The VA is instructed to obtain all outstanding medical records from private providers and arrange for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, did not have its onset during service or within one year of discharge and is not otherwise related to her military service. The peripheral neuropathy was also not shown to be caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, which is not linked to herbicide exposure, has been remanded due to the unavailability of a VA treatment record. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The Board has also granted the requested TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical and development of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities reasonably result in his requiring assistance with a number of his activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and food preparation, and he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance are met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea and deep vein thrombosis, all secondary to his service-connected TBI. The appeal is granted.

The case is being remanded for additional development of the Veteran's VA treatment records and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he contends is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities of diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and/or coronary artery disease. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records needing to be obtained, as well as a need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been established, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, contributed to his death from COPD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, chronic renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, all due to herbicide exposure.