Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, elevated PSA, macular edema with retinopathy, and a renal condition were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand, and thus could not establish a presumption of such exposure. The preponderance of evidence is against finding any of the claimed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The claim for hypertensive heart disease has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected TMJ disease. The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes requires use of insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet, but he has not been prescribed or advised to avoid strenuous occupational and recreational activities due to diabetes.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus, type II as they have been resolved by previous rating decisions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to concerns about his employment handicap and the need for extension of eligibility period. The AOJ will obtain records from his last employer, update VA treatment records, and have a Counseling Psychologist or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor determine if he has a serious employment handicap.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cataracts and erectile dysfunction did not require regulation of activities. The disability is currently rated 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a review of his employment history.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The issues include seeking increased disability ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy and coronary artery disease have been granted as they are presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure.,For the remaining conditions, further examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected due to acoustic trauma. His diabetes mellitus with hypertension and retinopathy, along with its associated neuropathies, are also service-connected based on direct evidence of a nexus.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,PTSD was previously rated at 30 percent prior to May 10, 2010 and has been increased to 50 percent since that date.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure during his active duty service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment since October 13, 2009. Prior to that date, he was still employed as a truck driver.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, diabetes, and CAD were not incurred in service or related to any period of active duty. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, DM, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hand neuropathy. The VA examiner found that the Veteran did not have COPD or DM during his active duty service and that any current diagnoses are more likely due to post-service factors.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam during his active duty is presumed. The Veteran served on a ship in Vietnamese coastal waters and was transferred from the USS Hoel to San Francisco, California where he received discharge.

The Veteran is granted specially adapted housing due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including the loss or use of the left lower extremity and residuals of organic disease/injury affecting balance and propulsion. The issue of a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since July 7, 2008. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met and thus does not grant an initial rating in excess of 20 percent.