Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule. The Veteran was also found to not have demonstrated regulation of activities due to his diabetes, which is required for a 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and finds that it did not occur during his active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to May 10, 2011.

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions, including acute right heart failure, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, metabolic encephalopathy, hypertension, and possible pneumonia. None of these conditions are service-connected or presumed to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating or any other favorable determination.

The Veteran's palindromic rheumatism was characterized by constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement which were totally incapacitating since April 1, 2008. A 100% rating for palindromic rheumatism is granted effective from that date.

The Board has found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, a heart disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, which is considered a reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is moot as the grant of service connection for the cause of death constitutes the maximum benefit sought.

The Board has determined that more development is needed, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus. The appeal will be remanded to the AOJ.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, blindness (including enucleation of the left eye), kidney failure, resection of metatarsal head toes, amputation of toes, and fistulas. These conditions are presumed to be related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding his right knee disability. The claims will be reconsidered after the completion of this development.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, heart disorder (ischemic heart disease), lung disorder, liver disorder, nerve disorder (peripheral neuropathy), kidney disorder, or traumatic brain injury. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II did not manifest during service and is not related to any service-connected disabilities, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU prior to March 18, 2008. The Director of Compensation Service determined that extraschedular consideration was not warranted.

The Veteran requested the withdrawal of his appeal regarding all issues on appeal, including claims to reopen service connection for knee and back disabilities, diabetes mellitus type II, and a skin disability of the face. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by his representative. The Board also notes that additional medical records are needed to consider the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a video conference hearing. The issues on appeal include TDIU, evaluations of various service-connected disabilities, and the evaluation of specific nerve neuropathies.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, renal failure with diabetic nephropathy, and bilateral hearing loss have all been denied. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.