Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral cataracts, diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated information from DoD regarding herbicide exposure in Guam.

The Board finds that service connection for a bone condition and tooth loss as secondary to type 2 diabetes is not warranted. The Veteran did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a combined effects medical examination and opinion. The current evidence does not support his claim of unemployability.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease is rated at 60 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, which is also the maximum rating available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that an effective date prior to January 21, 2008, for diabetes mellitus is not warranted. The claims for hypertension, left bundle branch block, disability of both hands, arms, feet, and hips are reopened.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including heart disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, liver disease, neuropathy, and skin cancer. The appeal is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, type I due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus preexisted his September 2010 diagnosis and whether it is related to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records and verifying exposure to herbicides. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertensive heart disease were denied, but the effective date of service connection for hypertensive heart disease was granted on October 1, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes), and denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a low back condition. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to the AOJ for further consideration, including referral to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted as the infection in his right knee was not caused by negligence or fault on VA's part.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board previously denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis because the Veteran was not shown to have Type II diabetes mellitus. The Joint Motion for Remand has ordered that a VA examination be conducted to clarify the record as to the Veteran's current diagnosis and provide an etiology opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome or any other fatigue-related disorder. The service connection claims for Castleman's disease, thyroid disorder, and diabetes mellitus are granted as these conditions are found to be due to his service-connected obesity.

The Veteran's bilateral diabetic retinopathy and bilateral cataract were rated at a noncompensable level prior to September 24, 2007. The effective date for the assignment of a 10 percent rating is set as September 24, 2007.