Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while significant, do not render him unemployable as he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations and review of the claims file, including new evidence. The issues include increased ratings for diabetes, aphakia, and Hodgkin's disease, as well as a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims will be re-adjudicated after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed left knee disability, and his service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's tinea pedis is rated appropriately, as are his hearing loss and CTS. His acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle condition, and head injury with headaches and myofascial pain syndrome do not warrant increased ratings. Finally, the Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including dementia due to diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cataracts, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected disabilities, including erectile dysfunction. The Veteran was not granted a compensable evaluation for his erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the RO's failure to comply with prior remand directives. The Veteran is requested to schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to toxic herbicides and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including the adjudication of service connection claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a cardiac condition, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and sleep apnea. The RO will also provide the Veteran with VA examinations and opinions in connection with his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete development and will be adjudicated again.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, are presumed to have been incurred in service. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Guam or Vietnam. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board found that the submitted evidence was either duplicative or cumulative of the evidence already of record and did not provide new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and headaches.

The Veteran's diabetes and related neuropathy are being remanded for further evaluation, as well as the issues of SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service is presumed. The claims for skin cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, while hypertension, a seizure disorder, and peptic ulcer disease are not. The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The initial rating for diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for bilateral pes planus, PTSD, and coronary artery disease have been granted. An effective date of November 24, 2008 has also been established.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for various conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy. The claims were not granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to Agent Orange while stationed in Guam and determine if he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.