Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service-connected as it is more likely due to medication for nonservice-connected conditions.,His proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which has been service-connected, does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, and his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus was not shown to be related to his active military service and is therefore denied.

The Veteran was unable to maintain substantial gainful employment from August 2006 to August 2007 due to service-connected disabilities, but has been able to obtain and maintain substantially gainful occupation since then.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during service. The Veteran's diabetes was attributed to prednisone use rather than Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease and hypertension. The Board has determined that an addendum opinion from the VA examiner is needed to address whether the diabetes mellitus is caused by or aggravated by the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and bilateral eye disability (including dry eye disorder with photophobia and cataracts) were both denied increased ratings. The diabetes was rated at the minimum level, while the eye disability remained at a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional treatment records. The issue of an increased rating for diabetes mellitus remains on hold until further clarification from the Veteran.

The Board finds that an earlier effective date prior to May 11, 2005, for the award of DIC benefits is not warranted as there is no evidence of a formal or informal claim received within one year from the Veteran's death in September [redacted], 2001.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent.,Service connection for problems in both eyes and sleep apnea are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, as these conditions are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during the Veteran's military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 20 percent. The claims for service connection for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and mood disorder were denied as there was no new and material evidence to reopen them. TDIU claim is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for prostate carcinoma, diabetes mellitus type II, and erectile dysfunction all due to herbicide exposure during his military service.,The Board found that the Veteran's presence around the DMZ in Korea entitles him to presumptive service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (recurring major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.,The evidence shows that the Veteran's obesity, which is linked to his sedentary lifestyle due to his knee disabilities, contributed to his diabetes and hypertension. His psychiatric condition is also likely related to his overall health issues.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is etiologically related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, and the Board grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding diabetes mellitus, cervical arthritis, and injury to the anus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether hypertension is related to diabetes mellitus and addressing the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed for the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with insomnia. The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the condition had its onset during active duty.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not shown during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and there is no evidence of a nexus to service. As such, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left hand degenerative arthritis, denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and reopened the claim of right knee disorder.