Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability. The preponderance of the evidence was against granting any higher rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, both claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has determined that a Statement of the Case must be issued on these issues.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was not found to warrant higher initial evaluations prior to April 2, 2012 and on or after that date. The criteria for a higher evaluation were not met.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board also finds that the Veteran has peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and a kidney disability, but these conditions are not found to be related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records. His diabetes mellitus and bilateral cataracts and retinopathy are also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides during service in Vung Tau Harbor and other locations close to the coastline of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure during his service in Korea and thus not qualifying for presumptive service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremities has been withdrawn. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating is being remanded as the SOC has not yet been issued.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure, is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional medical records. The right shoulder disability rating issue remains under review, as does the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 claim for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during active duty and the condition did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete opinions regarding whether the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and/or hypertension. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides, and the condition did not manifest within one year post-service. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or Korea during the required periods.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is 80 percent, and the evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further development to determine if he requires aid and attendance or is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity amputations are service connected, and he is entitled to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. His other claims have been granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service in Vietnam during the Vietnam Era is presumed, and he is entitled to presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service in the Republic of Vietnam. His hypertension may also be related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims of diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other service connection criteria met.