Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied as the evidence does not show unemployability prior to February 24, 2005.,Service connection for hypertension and diabetes is denied. The Veteran did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to February 24, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and bilateral retinopathy, as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records of periods of ACDUTRA and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicides while serving in Korea.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a nexus between any of his claimed conditions and his military service, including exposure to the Persian Gulf War. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence was against all claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease/coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure. However, additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran had in-service herbicide exposure while serving aboard the USS Bayfield (APA-33).

The Board has determined that hypertension, tonsillitis, headaches, prostatitis with stricture of urethra (claimed as prostate cancer), and diabetes mellitus are related to service due to aggravation by PTSD. The Veteran's claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's combination of service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II (including diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities), caused him to be unable to obtain and sustain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for premature ventricular complexes from 30% to 10%, effective November 21, 2012, was proper. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical evidence and scheduling a Compensation and Pension examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently evaluated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on additional complications or hospitalizations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 40 percent since May 31, 2006. This rating is based on the requirement of regulation of activities due to diabetes.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes and hypertension, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and concluding that the conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively result in the permanent loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As a result, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Service connection for bilateral knee and hip disorders is denied as the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a more comprehensive VA examination of his service-connected heart condition.