Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy are being reviewed again.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides while stationed in Thailand. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, claimed as due to herbicide exposure, remains denied.

The Veteran's conditions, while serious, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status prior to May 20, 2014.

The Veteran's CVA and its residuals are found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, were denied as they are not related to his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further examinations of his service-connected traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and back disability with radiculopathy were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's fatal disabilities, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and diabetes mellitus, were not related to service. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of any causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a service-connected psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and therefore denied this claim. The evidence did not establish a link between any diagnosed mental health condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the earliest time permitted. The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and lumbar strain, as well as special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance, are currently before the Board.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Miles Bluff Medical Center and Mayo Clinic. The appellant will be provided with a Supplemental SOC if the decision remains adverse.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no disability rating is assigned for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diabetes mellitus, and COPD are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 80%, meeting the threshold percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, despite this, VA medical opinions indicate that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetic nephropathy, neurogenic bladder, hypertensive heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands and lower extremities, and type II diabetes mellitus with nonproliferative retinopathy, cataracts, onychomycosis, and impotence, require regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), alcohol abuse disorder, acid reflux, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding exposure to Camp Lejeune and environmental toxins.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and a kidney disorder are all being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding in-service psychiatric treatment records and diagnoses.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol abuse disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding the relationship between his alcohol use and any diagnosed mental health conditions.,The Veteran's claim for acid reflux is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's conditions, including diabetes and its related complications, are not service connected. The Board denied the claims for service connection based on lack of evidence showing onset or causation in service.