Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran was granted a 20 percent evaluation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity, effective February 28, 2014.,The initial evaluations for hypertension and diabetic neuropathy remain denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, along with other service-connected conditions, has been found to prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. His combined disability rating is sufficient for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides and the conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be related to his service-connected prostate cancer and diabetes, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for chronic prostatitis. The claims for diabetes, acute epididymitis, and PTSD have been found to be supported by evidence of a current disability, in-service exposure to Agent Orange, and medical nexus opinions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction/impotence are all service-connected as secondary to his in-service herbicide exposure. The Board grants these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, cardiological disability, including hypertension, and right ear hearing loss are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine whether it is medically necessary for the Veteran to avoid strenuous occupational and recreational activities due to his diabetic conditions (other than peripheral neuropathy for which he is separately rated).

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was granted service connection effective April 18, 2012. His bilateral hearing loss disability and skin condition were not found to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred as a result of Agent Orange exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Thailand and whether this exposure is related to his current conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, as well as whether any left foot amputation or removal of a metatarsal are related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not proximately due to or chronically aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, skin conditions (idiopathic acquired leukoderma and seborrheic keratosis), and diabetes mellitus are pending.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for COPD, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and an ear disability are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's high cholesterol is considered a laboratory finding and not an actual disability for VA purposes. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus remains pending as the evidence of record does not provide sufficient information to determine if the Veteran went ashore during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has required a restricted diet and the use of insulin, as well as regulation of activities. The Board finds that this meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for diabetes mellitus or colon cancer, as both conditions are more likely due to non-service factors such as obesity and family history.