Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to outstanding service treatment records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective prior to September 17, 2015. The claim for hypertension remains denied. Service connection for diabetes and a dental condition are not established. No new rating was granted.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the RO's severance of service connection was not valid due to procedural errors and lack of evidence establishing clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the Veteran's claims for service connection, including regarding exposure to asbestos and herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the effective date of July 1, 2011 is correct.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and related peripheral neuropathy, do not render him unemployable without regard to advancing age.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, sleep apnea, diabetic neuropathy/numbness of the feet, hypertension and GERD/acid reflux have all been denied as they are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, right foot plantar fasciitis, and right knee disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of vaccinations, to include a stroke, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. The issues regarding lumbar disability, right knee disability, and evaluation for index finger fracture were also addressed but not specified in terms of disposition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective from September 26, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient information regarding herbicide exposure. The Veteran served in Thailand and was stationed at Udorn RTAFB, which is considered a Vietnam Era base.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and additional information is needed from various sources. The Veteran's exposure history, including potential Agent Orange exposure, will be investigated further.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, increased ratings for various disabilities, and entitlement to automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The issues are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his renal carcinoma and assessing the severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus is granted due to the presumption of herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability and therefore, service connection for hearing loss is denied. The issue of diabetes mellitus, type II remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no probative evidence suggesting a relationship between the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and his military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent from July 5, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date or a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities and whether they are related to service, including exposure to radiation in service.