Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus II, and major depressive disorder as secondary to alcoholism. The reasons are provided in the decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right eye cataract and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not service connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a bilateral eye disability other than dry eyes, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted after a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The claims for service connection will be readjudicated in light of all the evidence, including the new articles and private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during his service. The Veteran served as a Clerk Typist and Information Specialist, which may have brought him into contact with areas near the DMZ where herbicides were used.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum VA opinion and social security disability benefits records.

The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus were denied as there was no evidence of in-service onset or connection to service, and the exposure basis provided (Agent Orange) was not established.

The Veteran's diabetes requires insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of hearing loss of the right ear and finds that it is related to his military service. The Veteran was also found to have diabetes mellitus type II, which he contends is due to exposure to herbicides during his tour in Thailand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and extent of his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, as well as any erectile dysfunction. The TDIU issue remains inextricably intertwined with the rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) is rated at 30 percent, and he has been granted TDIU effective April 4, 2013. His other service-connected conditions are not separately rated as they do not meet the criteria for a separate rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for higher disability ratings for service-connected diabetes and heart disease, thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, as his education and work experience allow for less demanding business work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to allegations of clear and unmistakable error regarding effective dates for prior grants of service connection and current ratings for his disabilities. The issue of a TDIU prior to June 27, 2013 remains in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus, type I, but not secondary to a pre-existing eye or foot disorder. The Board found no evidence of continuity of symptoms for the claimed eye and foot disorders.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, eye problems, nerve damage, left arm neuropathy, and neuropathy of the right foot and heel as secondary to herbicide agent exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of a relationship to service. Service connection was not established for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to lack of exposure to herbicides.

The Board found that the Veteran did not file a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding the February 2008 rating decision, which denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and heart condition. The claims are being reconsidered due to new evidence received after the original claim became final.