Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus, have collectively rated at least 70% since November 4, 2009. The combined effect of these conditions has precluded the Veteran from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since that date.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service. The Veteran is also granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, as it was likely incurred within seven years of discharge from active service.

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance at a higher level of care has been denied as he does not meet the threshold requirements for any of the required levels of SMC.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of migraine headaches was granted effective December 5, 2013. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and balance problems and dizziness disorder were also granted secondary to service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran had a brief stopover in Vietnam, which qualifies him for presumptive service connection based on his exposure to herbicides during his active duty.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, gastroparesis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy in both legs and arms, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is not service-connected due to lack of in-country exposure to herbicides during his active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for diabetes mellitus, type 2; depression; and REM sleep behavior disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was found to be directly related to her active service, with early manifestations noted during service. The Board granted the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and diabetes mellitus were denied. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was reopened but remained denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no presumption of exposure to herbicides.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to a finding that the severance was improper.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his current treatment regimen.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Type II Diabetes Mellitus due to additional development being necessary.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, GERD, hypertrophy of the prostate, and a TMJ disorder as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection is not granted for dyslipidemia as it represents laboratory findings without an underlying malady.

The most probative evidence of record does not reflect that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a study that may indicate herbicide exposure at Fort Polk during service.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, and a TDIU rating of 60% has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) information and a medical opinion regarding diabetes mellitus.