Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, foot disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, and diabetes have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities.,There are no service treatment records or post-service medical records that document any diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus resulted in the functional loss of use of both feet, resulting in a permanent total disability that effectively results in the permanent loss of use of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran is granted higher SMC benefits based on loss of use of the lower extremities and specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently evaluated at 20 percent, the minimum evaluation required for a diagnosis of DM. The evidence does not support an increase in this rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II requires a restricted diet, daily insulin and oral medication without regulation of activities. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent are not met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and determining if the Veteran's claimed exposure to asbestos is established. The appeal will be adjudicated again after these actions.

The Board has found the opinions provided insufficient to decide the appeal and requires an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding the relationship between the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and his service-connected diabetes mellitus II.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of August 5, 2002. The evidence shows the Veteran has been unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since at least that time.

The Board is remanding the case to verify whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand at Korat RTAFB, which could potentially grant presumptive service connection for his cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, knee, lumbar spine, ankle, hip, and shoulder disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection in any of these cases.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her multiple disabilities, which render her helpless or nearly so. As a result, she is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been rated at 20 percent since May 1, 2008. His bilateral eye disabilities have been rated as 40 percent from January 7, 2013, to April 26, 2016, and 30 percent since January 28, 2011, to January 6, 2013. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not require avoidance of strenuous activities or regulation of diet and activity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was incurred in service and his heart disability is not caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition. Therefore, both conditions are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on the impact of all service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The TDIU issue is also being addressed.

The Veteran's diabetes requires oral medication and a restricted diet, but does not require regulation of activities. The Board finds that the rating of 20 percent is appropriate as it reflects the need for oral medication and a restricted diet.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under DC 7913. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating as it has been managed with insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents in conjunction with a restricted diet.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II on a presumptive basis due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during the Veteran's military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and plantar calcaneal heel spurs were denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating (level II) for bilateral hearing loss.