Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective as of April 13, 2006. The Board found that the increase in disability occurred more than one year prior to the date of the claim and thus denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, hypertension, and prostate disorder are found to be related to his service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II or PTSD.

The Board has directed a new examination due to the lack of an opinion on whether the erectile dysfunction is aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions alone do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, consistent with his educational and occupational background.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the service connection claims for various conditions, including eczema, ruptured left ovarian cyst, diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), headaches, menstrual irregularities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity impairment due to Parkinson's disease, and facial nerve impairment have been granted. The initial ratings assigned are 40 percent for right upper extremity impairment and 30 percent for left upper extremity impairment, all due to Parkinson's disease. Effective dates prior to December 4, 2007, have also been established.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be causally related to service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board has restored the previously reduced disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, finding that there was no actual improvement in these conditions at the time of reduction.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA treatment is granted as the criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 are met due to permanent service-connected disability, medical emergency, and unavailability of a VA facility.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing issue, and no specific rating or effective date is provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to his exposure to herbicides. The peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be caused by the diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease and diabetes mellitus, type II. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and further analysis.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease and erectile dysfunction, including as a result of exposure to herbicides. The claim has been remanded due to the need for further verification regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and whether it is related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange or service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review, including an examination to determine if the Veteran has type I diabetes mellitus and whether it is related to service.