Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Veteran is granted a 40 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction as of April 30, 2014. Prior to that date, the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and residuals of a left eye injury were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new evaluations.

The Veteran's diabetes was not shown to be related to service or any incident therein, and the Board found no credible evidence of herbicide exposure during his active duty in Okinawa.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as due to herbicide exposure (specifically burn pit exposure). The Veteran's claim was remanded by the Court and the VA is required to obtain additional service personnel records.

The Board has determined that service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is granted, and the request to reopen a claim for service connection for Diabetes Mellitus, Type II (DM) is also granted. The decision on whether DM was present during service or secondary to hypertension remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing as requested by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and denied the remaining claims. Diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to in-service herbicide exposure, while the other conditions are not supported by evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting a medical opinion regarding whether any service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's diabetes and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus service connection is denied.,The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right rotator cuff tear, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU is granted, as the evidence shows he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since March 27, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a TDIU and a rating of 70 percent, but his diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues are related to his diabetes and potential TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a review by an appropriate VA medical professional to clarify whether the Veteran has separate psychiatric disorders and if so, whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or eyes. Therefore, he does not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent since April 5, 2014. Separate ratings of 20 percent are assigned for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity as of September 17, 2013.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. His bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other causative events, and the diseases are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarifying medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is related to service or caused by his service-connected disabilities.