Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date was September 15, 2009, for service connection of diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide exposure. For erectile dysfunction, there is no evidence of any deformity of the penis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated VA treatment records. The goal is to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus Type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing at an alternate location. The AOJ needs to explore all reasonable avenues for accommodating the Veteran's hearing request.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus could not be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. The evidence does not support a relationship between diabetes mellitus, type II, and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board has found that PTSD is related to his verified in-service stressors, thus granting service connection for PTSD. Service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure and to provide a VA opinion on whether his diabetes is related to any in-service event or condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The erectile dysfunction is being remanded as it may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and left leg neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his diabetes mellitus (to 40%) and left leg neuropathy (to 20%), effective December 24, 2013, and December 3, 2014 respectively. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease remains at a 30% rating.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for diabetes and granted it, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao RTAFB in Thailand established presumptive service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that he was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam, and thus denied service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand arthritis, a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, and TDIU.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied these claims.,Service connection for athlete's foot was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's initial rating for Type II diabetes mellitus was increased to 40 percent, effective June 6, 2008. The decision also addressed the issue of TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU prior to October 10, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, resolving the appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and heart disease due to herbicide exposure. The claims are granted as presumptive under VA regulations.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, type 2, both claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The case needs additional development regarding the Veteran's alleged service in Da Nang harbor and on land in Vietnam during his service aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations and medical opinions in connection with his claims.