Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied as not supported by evidence showing direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative and missing VA treatment records. The claims will be re-adjudicated after obtaining these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during the appellant's service on Guam, and thus denied his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to March 12, 2013 is being remanded due to the need for extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for type II diabetes mellitus with chronic renal insufficiency and erectile dysfunction was denied by the RO, as his condition did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating remains at 20 percent, but the Board has ordered a new examination to assess its current severity and impact on employment. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to unclear evidence regarding his employability and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus as secondary to pancreatitis are both granted. Pancreatitis is presumed due to herbicide exposure, while diabetes mellitus is found to be caused by the pancreatitis.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and multiple myeloma are presumed related to herbicide exposure, granted service connection for these conditions. The right knee infection with degenerative joint disease and replacement is found to be secondary to his now service-connected multiple myeloma. Lung and/or heart residuals of pneumonia are not found to be secondary to the Veteran's right knee disability or any other condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected left foot and leg disabilities. The diabetes mellitus disability is also considered secondary to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and searching for any previous rating decisions related to the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I is being remanded due to insufficient notice and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and early-onset peripheral neuropathy are presumed to have developed as a result of herbicide exposure during active service.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for cause of death due to lack of new and material evidence, including a recent letter from Dr. P.G. stating that the Veteran had diabetes which was possibly related to Agent Orange exposure but did not establish that it caused his death.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the primary cause of his current peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.,There is no evidence indicating that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide or ionizing radiation during service, thus there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of secondary service connection for parotid gland tumor and skin disease.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's service-connected GSW residuals and his death, nor did it find any nexus between non-service-connected conditions (lung cancer, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease) and service. The cause of death was attributed to lung cancer with underlying causes of hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive lung disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no competent and credible evidence showing current disabilities or a link to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was not incurred in service and denied his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision is mixed as it granted one issue (diabetes mellitus) but denied another (acquired psychiatric disorder).