Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer due to exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service or that he had any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and ischemic heart disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, both secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including heart disability, depression, diabetes, atrophy of the testicles, hiatal hernia (chronic indigestion), varicose veins, and hypothyroidism, make him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is granted.

The Board found no service connection warranted for a left toe/foot disability secondary to the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy. The Board also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disabilities of the left toe and ankle due to VA procedures, finding that the procedures were appropriate and did not cause any additional disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, specifically whether regulation of activities is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his arthritis claim. The diabetes and kidney disease claims were also denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and asthma have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an in-service incident or event related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing new VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in service or a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, left carpal tunnel syndrome, a neck disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected right carpal tunnel syndrome, tinnitus, and PTSD have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his disabilities. The Board has granted a TDIU effective October 7, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for post-concussive syndrome, peripheral vestibular disorder, and bilateral hearing loss were not granted earlier than May 26, 2010. The skin disorder claim is pending as it relates to service exposure, but the diabetes mellitus claim remains unresolved.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes in service or within one year after discharge, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's current diabetes and his military service.

The Veteran's arthrolumbosacral strain and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated, with an increased rating of 40 percent granted for the thoracolumbar spine disability. Separate ratings of 20 percent each were granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's eye condition is due to service-connected diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure. The current issue of a compensable rating for the service-connected eye condition remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and its complications.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for Type 2 diabetes mellitus as a result of herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Veteran's condition was not shown during service or within one year after separation, and there is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure.