Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease status post open heart surgery are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims. The claim for a compensable initial disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and neuropathies of the bilateral lower extremities are granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for other conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify the stressor event and obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his alleged exposure to chemicals other than herbicides during active duty. Further development is needed, including obtaining records from the Joint Services Records Research Center and any relevant facilities, as well as VA examinations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to in-service herbicide exposure, with the presumption of exposure.

The Veteran's heart disability, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he claims is due to Agent Orange exposure while serving aboard the U.S.S. Newport News off the coast of Vietnam or in Da Nang Harbor, has been remanded for further clarification and development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for severance of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and for service connection for left ear hearing loss. The claim to reopen a claim for service connection for tinnitus was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's reactive airway disease was granted a rating of 30 percent from November 29, 2006 to May 17, 2013. His diabetes mellitus type II and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) were each rated at their maximum allowable ratings. The Veteran's left orchialgia was granted a noncompensable rating, while his erectile dysfunction remained noncompensable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, arteriosclerotic heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity, are found to be sufficient to preclude him from engaging in gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated based on their current manifestations. The increased ratings for the disabilities are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, sleep apnea, and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The primary reasons were that there was no evidence of chronic hypertension during service or within one year post-service, and it is not related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was previously denied and not reopened. His bilateral foot disorder is not considered to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with hypertension is rated at 60 percent, and he meets the criteria for a grant of TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, and for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's hypertension was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have Type II diabetes mellitus or erectile dysfunction due to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was dismissed as there is no legal or factual controversy remaining.