Diabetes decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have all been denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously-denied claims.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal for all issues.

The Board has remanded the claims due to a need for additional information and evidence regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes mellitus type II, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and skin cancer have all been denied. The evidence does not establish a direct link between the disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted on a presumptive basis due to presumed herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. The Board found that the Veteran had actual presence within the land borders of Vietnam during active service and thus his claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as it requires only dietary and medication management without requiring regulation of activities.

The Board found that VA's failure to refill the Veteran's Plavix prescription did not result in additional disability that caused his death.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility for treatment of his service-connected conditions were approved due to the emergent nature of his condition and the unavailability of care at VA facilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his right knee disability with amputation does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes and lung disability are not etiologically related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service, including due to herbicide exposure. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA medical examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether sleep apnea is related to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for multiple myeloma as secondary to herbicide exposure and granted it. Service connection was also granted for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type 2 as secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, and thus, new and material evidence has not been received. As a result, the Veteran's claim is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to exposure to herbicides in Korea. The Veteran's exposure is presumed based on his service and the use of Agent Orange in the area.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board also finds that his hypertension is secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and its associated peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet. The case is being remanded to determine if the Veteran has a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type 2 and whether his current lower extremity neurological symptoms are related to service or his diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD and diabetes mellitus type 2) prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PVD of the bilateral lower extremities and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 28, 2013.