Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus and a TDIU. The Veteran was found not to meet the criteria for higher ratings or TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, depression NOS, and generalized anxiety disorder), finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, TDIU, and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The Veteran also has pending issues regarding sleep apnea and a reduction in his coronary artery disease disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability required regulation of activities beyond what is already contemplated by the current 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and personnel records to verify his reported service in Vietnam. The Veteran will be provided with a Supplemental Statement of the Case if the benefits sought remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, claimed as due to exposure to herbicides, is being remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for right nephrolithiasis and service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's kidney stones were not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his diabetes mellitus was not related to service or presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current levels of impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of COPD. The Veteran's asthma has also not improved to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and residual scars due to IHD. The appeal for service connection for an eye disability is REMANDED as the Veteran needs a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 24, 2008 did not meet or approximate the percentage requirements for entitlement to a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, the claim must be remanded so that it can be referred to VA's Director, Compensation Service, for initial consideration on an extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 11, 2012.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since October 1, 2009. The AMC granted a TDIU rating prior to March 17, 2016.,The Veteran is currently unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and the grant of a TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent and does not require regulation of activities. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show that his diabetes requires regulation of activities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, all claimed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board has determined that additional development is needed as the evidence does not support a finding of presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. Diabetes mellitus and the foot disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in service and thus denied the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy as not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetic nephropathy is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.