Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DM) is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's PTSD rating and TDIU claims are also addressed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and proliferative diabetic bilateral retinopathy remain on appeal. The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 2, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and proliferative diabetic bilateral retinopathy remain on appeal. The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection were denied. An earlier effective date claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was granted on April 18, 2012.

The Board has not determined the merits of any service connection claims as they are pending before it. The Veteran's claims for residuals of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, sinus disorder, and tinnitus have been reopened due to new evidence received since their last denial in 2010. However, the Board has not found any service connection as they are not supported by competent medical evidence.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, which he claims is a residual of hepatitis. He also asserts that his diabetes is due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to maintain substantially gainful employment given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to be related to his active service in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction and finds it at least as likely as not that this condition was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and diabetes mellitus. However, both conditions were not shown during or within one year after service separation, thus service connection is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes requires insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. The Board finds that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not all been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as diabetes mellitus, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, heart condition, kidney condition, and erectile dysfunction, all claimed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents. The appeal will be remanded to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's alleged TDY in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a nervous condition, now claimed as mental condition/nervousness to include depression, anxiety and sleeping problems. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus are currently rated at the lowest possible levels, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of specific criteria being met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as secondary to medications taken for treatment of a service-connected disability. The claim is granted.