Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disability in service or within one year after discharge, and the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that such disability is related to service.,VA examiners opined that type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are not caused by psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is on appeal.

The Veteran's hypertensive cardiovascular disease with renal impairment and pacemaker is rated at 100 percent from March 11, 2010. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since February 14, 2008. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 requires a compensable rating. There are no compensable ratings for impotence, urticaria, or headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria residuals, diabetes mellitus type 2, and a heart disorder have been reopened. The evidence submitted is new and material to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 has also been reopened with the submission of additional medical evidence linking his current condition to his active service.

The Veteran is granted a 60 percent rating for diabetic nephropathy and diabetes mellitus, type II prior to April 29, 2015. The claim for TDIU prior to October 11, 2013 is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as his condition requires only oral medications and a restricted diet.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus was dismissed as a freestanding claim is not allowed.

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure and degenerative arthritis in the left knee. Service connection for bilateral hip disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthma are not related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange or other hazardous materials. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and the condition did not manifest within one year after separation from active duty. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, heart disability, and migraine headaches were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and TDIU have been deferred due to the grant of combined 100% disability rating, but his diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus, and remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart condition, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and determine the appropriate disposition of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine his eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant and service connection for voiding dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and a low back disorder. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for acute bronchitis was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is at least as likely as not caused by his presumed herbicide agent exposure and secondary to his service-connected diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease. As a result, the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes and hypertension did not manifest within one year of separation from service or are otherwise related to service. The residuals of a left little finger injury were rated as limited motion, but no compensable rating was granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, and CAD due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for any of these conditions.