Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for bilateral diabetic retinopathy effective September 23, 1988. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating was denied as his visual acuity and field of vision did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The case must be remanded to obtain clarification on whether he has a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, and to determine if his peripheral neuropathy is related to his military service or another condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of multiple theories of entitlement, including secondary service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes and associated neuropathy of the upper extremities have been granted increased ratings, with a maximum rating of 30 percent for diabetic neuropathy of the right (major) upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to his death. The Board finds that the nonservice-connected conditions (COPD and colostomy) were more significant in preventing employment.

The Board has granted service connection for malaria, hepatitis, arthritis, angina, arrhythmia, type II diabetes mellitus, and a skin condition of the legs, all presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment, effective May 11, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that his current disabilities are related to his active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, which he claims are due to his exposure to herbicides in service. The Board is tasked with determining whether the ship on which the Veteran served had inland waterway service by virtue of which he would have been exposed to air borne sprayed herbicides.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and granted it, finding that new evidence supports the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's death was due to his service-connected conditions, but he had a pending claim for nonservice-connected pension at the time of his death. The evidence showed that he met the requirements for non-service connected pension and thus qualified for burial benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, claiming these conditions are related to his military service in Vietnam where Agent Orange was used. The claims will be remanded to obtain relevant treatment records from the period of active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, DM, and PTSD. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be associated with his exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear dates of onset and initial diagnosis for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as insufficient opinions regarding whether these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not caused by in-service noise exposure. Service connection was denied for type II diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.