Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer and lung cancer as new and material evidence was not presented to reopen these claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for prostate cancer and Type II diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to verify whether the Veteran's supervisor served with him in Korea, as he asserts.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment during the period from June 17, 2010 to November 30, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private and VA medical records and providing a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and any related conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability, specifically severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular degeneration and cataracts in both eyes, has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) since July 10, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including an addendum opinion from the VA ophthalmologist to address functional impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy prior to February 22, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as his diabetes does not require regulation of activities. Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was also denied, as it is not linked to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and lung cancer are related to his military service, including exposure to dioxins and other environmental toxins. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam is presumed, and he has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that his claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, but has determined that these claims are not granted on their merits.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating from 100% to 20% was not warranted, and thus denied the request for restoration.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was noted upon entrance into his second period of active duty service and developed proximately following combat service. The Board found that the presumption of aggravation applies due to the development of symptomatic manifestations during or proximately following action with the enemy. As VA could not rebut this presumption by clear and convincing proof, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is related to his service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, considering all relevant factors including his education and occupational background.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that met the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension, specifically whether it is due to service, including exposure to Agent Orange, or secondary to his PTSD. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board at his local RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for memory loss, TBI, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disorder, stomach disorder, and type II diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has ordered additional medical opinions to determine if the Veteran had ischemic heart disease, its relation to service and Agent Orange exposure, diabetes mellitus' relation to hypertension and renal disease, and whether these conditions contributed to his death. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for PTSD and denied any increase in the rating for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, while his diabetes mellitus remains at its current 20 percent rating.