Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Veteran is service-connected for multiple disabilities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board finds that these conditions render the Veteran unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is not related to his active service and specifically to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board determined that the presumption of service connection due to herbicide exposure was rebutted by evidence indicating that the diabetes developed from a severe pancreatic disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcohol dependence is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, and his non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is also service-connected as a result of his alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, diverticulitis, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for celiac disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and its associated complications.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction and upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board found that the Veteran was not entitled to a TDIU prior to April 1, 2003 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, CVA residuals, right big toe amputation and left eye loss of vision were denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions had their onset during service or are related to a disease or injury incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, while diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and DM have not prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment at any point pertinent to this appeal.

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during his service in Vietnam and Thailand. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and arthritis of the hands and back, as these conditions are not related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and onychomycosis, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, diabetes (to include as due to Agent Orange exposure), and a sciatic nerve disability. The evidence did not support current diagnoses of these conditions.