Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA cardiologist regarding whether PTSD caused or aggravated the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for further evidence and development regarding his exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The claims of service connection, initial rating, and TDIU are all related and must be addressed together.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lung disability, and diabetes mellitus type II. The decision found that there was no current evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes in either ear, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's kidney disability, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac disability are related to service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 60 percent, effective April 2, 2015. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of gastric origin (in remission) based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Thailand.,The Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange while stationed at military bases in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for diabetes and left middle finger disability were denied because he failed to report for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with his claims.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities has been denied as the current assigned ratings adequately compensate him for average impairment in earning capacity due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service or herbicide exposure. The Board also found that he did not meet the one-year presumptive period for diabetes due to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was dismissed. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions due to herbicide exposure during his service at Fort Knox Army base. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including verification of the Veteran's exposure and obtaining VA examinations or opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, entitlement to TDIU, and SMC based on aid and attendance. The evidence did not support a finding that his diabetes mellitus was related to service or his service-connected disabilities, nor did it show he needed regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's combined disability rating of 70 percent, including his service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, met the schedular criteria for a TDIU effective February 11, 2004. The issue is now moot as of April 20, 2016 when the Veteran's combined disability rating reached 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam, and therefore diabetes mellitus with complications is presumed. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease was granted, and a rating of 30 percent was assigned effective from November 22, 2010. The appeal is also granted for the earlier effective date for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will schedule a Travel Board hearing before the RO.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer have been granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found the Veteran had reason to visit Vietnam during his active duty.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated erectile dysfunction have not met the criteria for a higher initial rating. The peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities has also not met the criteria for a higher initial rating.