Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to afford him a comprehensive examination and for consideration of whether any additional separate compensable ratings are warranted for his diabetic complications.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus in March 2003, finding no evidence of its onset during active duty or within the presumptive period. The motion alleging CUE was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including an addendum medical opinion and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, PTSD, and coronary artery disease, is now pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder did not hasten his metastatic cancer, and therefore does not meet the criteria for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities remains.

The Veteran does not have tinnitus, a bilateral knee disability, colon polyps, hypertension, PTSD, or diabetic peripheral neuropathy that is related to active service.,There is no evidence of any diagnosed disabilities in the claims file and no medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has determined that additional development, including a new opinion from the examiner who provided the June 2009 opinion or an appropriate medical professional if unavailable, is needed due to conflicting information regarding the onset of both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, especially PTSD with major depressive disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions and additional development is required. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation for loss of use of both feet will be reconsidered after the completion of the requested examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation to determine his eligibility for assistance in the purchase of automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria, or that the conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the inextricability of the pending increased rating and service connection claims. The RO/AMC will adjudicate these claims before considering the TDIU claim.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus and all secondary disabilities based on no in country Vietnam service was proper. The claim of entitlement to service connection for these disorders is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, skin cancer, and blindness are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining records from SSA, VA, and private sources. The Veteran is also requested to provide information about his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to address his hypertension.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and its incurrence or aggravation during such service may not be presumed. The Board found no evidence of exposure to herbicides, and the claim for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and affording the Veteran a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's current diabetes mellitus, type II is related to exposure to herbicide agents during active military service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for further verification of the Veteran's periods of service, including ACDUTRA. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining these records.