Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated as 20 percent since September 9, 2007. The Board granted a separate 20 percent rating for left and right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy effective December 7, 2013.,Prior to October 29, 2015, the Veteran's lower extremities did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic small cell lung cancer, which is presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure in service. The Veteran's diabetes and COPD are also presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's thyroid disease, hysterectomy, diabetes mellitus and weight gain are not related to her service exposure to radiation. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease, and PTSD have been denied. The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA's rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder due to a lack of evidence showing direct exposure to herbicides during active duty service. The conditions were not found to be related to service or to any in-service event including exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding regulation of activities associated with his DM. Additionally, there are issues related to TDIU that are intertwined with this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss is noncompensable.

The Board has denied service connection for heart disability and kidney condition, including loss of kidney. The remaining claims for peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and posttraumatic stress disorder rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 1, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and adjudication, including obtaining private treatment records and providing addendum opinions on the relationship between his claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing and additional development.

The Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits were discontinued effective October 30, 2002 due to his fugitive felon status. The benefits were reinstated on April 30, 2012 after the warrant was cleared. An earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's amputation of the left leg was not caused by VA treatment, and no fault on VA's part is established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and finds sufficient credible evidence to conclude he was exposed to herbicides while stationed at the Takhli RTAFB. Therefore, diabetes mellitus, larynx cancer, and prostate cancer are granted as due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and adenocarcinoma of the prostate with impotence were denied as there was no evidence presented to support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, due to the Veteran failing to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of November 3, 2005, for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and cataracts of the bilateral eyes.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of in-service disease or injury, as well as a lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of increased initial ratings for coronary artery disease, prior to April 18, 2017; diabetes mellitus, type II; and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.