Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology and date of onset for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and obesity have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Board finds that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression) is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and its impact on his ability to work. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there are no physician-directed restrictions on activities of daily living.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders (emphysema and asthma), and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities) are not related to his military service or any event of service origin.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, which manifested within one year of his separation from active service, meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating or more under Diagnostic Code 7913. Therefore, service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and has also denied his request to reduce the evaluation from 20 percent to zero percent effective October 1, 2012. The Veteran is currently receiving a noncompensable evaluation for PUD.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right kidney mass, and diabetes mellitus, type II. However, it found that new and material evidence had not been submitted sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran is also service-connected for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and amputation of the left great toe as secondary to his diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment. The TDIU issue will also be adjudicated in connection with this process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hand tremors were denied as there is no evidence of chronic conditions during or within one year after service. The disorders are not considered to be due to exposure to Persian Gulf War conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities as there is no evidence that regulation of activities was required due to his diabetes, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been manifested by the need for insulin, dietary restrictions, and clinical regulation of physical activity. The Board finds that these manifestations do not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when analyzed as a whole, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to his diabetes mellitus type II. The evidence did not establish direct service connection or a link between these conditions and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or related to her active military service, and the Board denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with noncompensable complications of bilateral cataracts is currently rated at 20 percent, and the claim for a higher rating has been denied. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied by operation of law as no prior claims were received.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The remaining issues regarding scoliosis, specially adapted housing, special home adaptation grant, and need for aid and attendance are remanded for further development.