Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD was granted service connection, but his left hip arthritis and type II diabetes mellitus were denied.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's postoperative left knee disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction are all service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his military service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before a member of the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected mood disorder did not cause his death, as there was no evidence of consistent noncompliance with treatment and other factors such as dementia were noted to be contributing causes.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides during service, and thus could not establish presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus or heart disease. The claims were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an initial rating for his back disability, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or other agents that could lead to presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and Parkinson's disease due to exposure of Agent Orange. Both conditions are presumed to have been incurred in active military service.

The Veteran's service aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma City did not involve actual herbicide exposure, and his diabetes mellitus type II first manifested many years after service, thus failing to meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 40 percent, which requires insulin use, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he has not experienced episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or twice monthly visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, eye condition, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to incomplete development. The AOJ will obtain additional evidence related to Agent Orange exposure and ensure that a VA examination is conducted for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not occur in service and is not related to his military noise exposure. The claim for diabetes mellitus type II, claimed as a result of herbicide exposure, will be remanded due to incomplete information regarding Vietnam service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not have onset during service or within one year of separation, and was more likely due to post-service weight gain. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted service connection for meralgia paresthetica and neuropathy of the right thigh, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, diabetes mellitus type II, and sleep apnea. The effective date is set at April 7, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for blindness and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is 70 percent, and his disabilities relate to a common etiology (diabetes mellitus). The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions alone do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A new VA examination will be arranged to assess the severity of his diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are consistent with his military service.,Both conditions have been found to be related to the Veteran's in-country service in Vietnam.