Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for DM and a heart disability were not addressed. The initial rating in excess of 10 percent for IVDS with degenerative arthritis changes (prior to September 28, 2013) was denied. The higher rating in excess of 20 percent for IVDS with degenerative arthritis changes (beginning on September 28, 2013) was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy in the median nerve of both upper extremities have been granted, with a rating of 50 percent for the right (major) upper extremity and 40 percent for the left (minor) upper extremity effective December 13, 2004.,The Veteran's service connection theory is 'direct', meaning that the condition was determined to be related to his active duty without relying on a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board found that diabetes mellitus type 2 was not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been evaluated at a 20 percent rating since March 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in his disability rating beyond this level.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining SSA records, VA medical records, and a new examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower and upper extremities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 22, 2010. However, the combined rating for these conditions does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114 (s).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and right shoulder AC joint degenerative arthritis are granted. The claim for higher rating for right shoulder AC joint degenerative arthritis is also granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and carpal tunnel syndrome are currently rated at their maximum levels.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet or approximate criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's diabetes is related to his military service, and the other conditions are secondary to this disability. The case must be remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature of the Veteran's diabetes and its relationship to his service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not indicate that his activities were regulated due to diabetes prior to July 13, 2010. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left foot metatarsalgia secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection for peripheral vascular disorder and diabetic retinopathy is denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed due to in-service herbicide exposure. The claim for skin cancer was not addressed as it may not be a presumptive association.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including contacting the Armed Forces Pest Management Board regarding herbicide use at Fort Polk and Fort Bragg during service. A VA examination is also required to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to service, including presumed in-service exposure to herbicides. The relationship with PTSD and diabetes mellitus will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is not related to his military service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and right eye disability are both found to be related to service, with the right eye condition being secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board denied entitlement to a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are not severe enough to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, have met the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU since March 16, 2009. Competent evidence indicates that these conditions prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and work experience.