Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction has been rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including CAD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and PVD, all as not being causally connected to active service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's current diagnosis for hypertension is related to service, and the Board finds that service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The VA will seek clarification on the nature of the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and other environmental hazards during his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, skin disorder, paralysis of the median nerve, and paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability in most cases and that the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents did not apply due to lack of service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back syndrome, caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises. However, the need for aid and attendance was not due solely to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU from March 22, 2010; his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including issuance of a statement of the case on accrued benefits and service connection issues. The appeal is deferred pending completion of this development.

The Veteran's service-connected nephropathy has been rated at 100% since July 30, 2010. As a result, the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) is rendered moot.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic ulcers of the feet have not been prescribed systemic immunotherapy therapy, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7826.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure and that the condition did not manifest within one year after service. The Board also found that the Veteran had no in-service diagnosis or treatment for diabetes.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated as 10 percent disabling since June 7, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran had at least three to six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting, warranting a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension is now service-connected as secondary to his diabetes mellitus type II, which he contends was caused by herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II with associated disabilities, including abnormal brain matter, arthritis, fatigue, breathing difficulties, hypertension, balance/fainting problems, gastrointestinal disorder, heartburn, skin disorder (including lumps on the left hand), broken bones, memory problems, kidney trouble, and confusion, all claimed as a result of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and hypertension are rated as 60 percent disabling. The Veteran's stomach ulcers are not service connected.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus type II during the appeal period and that diabetes mellitus type I was not present during active service or within one year of separation. The Board also noted that there is no evidence linking herbicide agent exposure to diabetes mellitus type I.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues including service connection claims, increased rating claims, and TDIU. The right ankle disability received a 10% rating, but no higher. Bilateral external otitis remained at the 10% rating. Diabetes mellitus continued to be rated at 20%. Peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was rated at 40%, but no higher.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was noted prior to his entry into active duty. The Board is tasked with determining if the condition was aggravated by service or if it preexisted service. Further development is needed to determine this and other relevant details.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for the issues of higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for dental disorder for VA compensation purposes, bilateral eye disability (including cataracts and normal tension glaucoma), kidney disability (including kidney stones), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The appeals are all denied as not supported by evidence.