Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral diabetic retinopathy with cataracts was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation higher than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to address whether his diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, or hypertension require regulation of activities. The issues remain on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and disorders manifested by pain in the groin and buttocks. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and potential verification of in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and gout are being reviewed.

PTSD and diabetes mellitus, Type II have been granted service connection based on in-service stressors and presumed exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's Raynaud's syndrome and erectile dysfunction are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claimed conditions are not service connected as they do not have a direct relationship to his military service. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and the current diagnoses were not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, glaucoma, and cataracts are all found to be related to his service due to radiation exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened and granted. His right ear hearing loss disability is presumed due to in-service noise exposure, but the evidence does not meet the VA criteria for a current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and diabetes mellitus, type II, were granted effective June 5, 2005.,Both conditions are considered to be secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his right shoulder disorder, which he claims was caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability and diabetes. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's combined rating is 50 percent, which does not meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU. The Board finds that he does not have factors warranting referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service noise exposure and current hearing loss, which are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. However, the issue of whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service remains unresolved.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD from August 4, 2010 to March 7, 2014 was also rated at 50 percent. The Board found that neither condition warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, left index finger amputation, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, compound fracture of right ulna and radius, and hammer toes, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and heart disease are presumed to have been caused by his in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC at a higher level due to his need for regular aid and attendance by another person.

The Board found that Type II Diabetes Mellitus and gout were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of chronic conditions during service or within one year post-service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraine headaches, diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, are found to be of such severity as to preclude his participation in any substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.