Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has not required insulin or regulation of activities for control, and his diabetic retinopathy and cataracts have not resulted in any incapacitating episodes or impairment of visual acuity, visual field or muscle function. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent are not met.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to his active duty noise exposure.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to Agent Orange exposure remains pending as requested information regarding proximity to herbicides was not obtained.

The Veteran died of small cell lung cancer, but his service connection claims for lung cancer and diabetes mellitus were not meritorious at the time of his death. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for VA burial benefits due to lack of service-connected disability.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and early cataracts have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by or substantially contributed to by a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service, specifically his reported in-service frostbite while on active duty in Korea. The Appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.

The Board found no evidence of the required elements to warrant a higher rating for diabetes mellitus prior to April 8, 2011. From that date forward, the Board also found no evidence of episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations or visits to diabetic care providers, thus denying a higher rating for diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was rated as 30 percent disabling throughout the appeal period and denied an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents, but denied service connection for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds it does not warrant a higher rating.,Prior to April 26, 2014, the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at 40 percent. From that date forward, he is rated at 60 percent. The Board finds these ratings are appropriate based on his symptoms and treatment needs.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating as it can be managed with medication.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's Paget's disease to service or exposure to herbicides, thus denying service connection for this condition.,While there is some medical opinion suggesting a possible link between the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and his active duty service, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support such a finding.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his PTSD and diabetes, as he is capable of substantially gainful employment with some instruction and oversight.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy was reopened due to the receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The issues of increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy with cataracts are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type 2 are granted as both conditions are presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure during his active military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and hypertension. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and granted it on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds TDIU is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea proximately caused or aggravated his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic polyneuropathy of the upper extremities and diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.