Diabetes decisions — 2018

The appellant wishes to withdraw the claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and nephropathy, which was pending on appeal.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II required insulin and a restricted diet but did not result in episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or visits to a diabetic care provider. The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for the condition prior to January 8, 2014.

The Veteran's right hand peripheral neuropathy is now rated at 30 percent, effective July 1, 2016. The left upper extremity and right foot and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathies remain at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's eye disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depressive disorder are being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted an initial rating of 10 percent effective October 8, 2015.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II remains at a 20 percent rating with no increase in rating.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 10 percent effective October 8, 2015.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent effective October 8, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the inextricably intertwined nature of his hearing loss claim and the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted attorney fees based on the August 2013 rating decision that awarded a TDIU to the Veteran due to his service-connected chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions from previous VA examinations. The Veteran's hypertension will need further evaluation and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide exposure due to insufficient information about the Veteran's alleged in-service exposure. The JSRRC will be contacted to verify the Veteran’s claimed duty location.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as the evidence did not show exposure to herbicides and there was no direct link between service and the condition.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not incurred in service or due to herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claims for service connection.

The Veteran is granted an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2014 due to the use of Eucerin Lotion for his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, which causes permanent staining of his outergarments (pants and shirts).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all the listed issues, resulting in their dismissal.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and nummular eczema associated with dyshidrosis are granted as secondary to his service-connected skin disability. The Veteran is also granted a 60 percent rating for his nummular eczema, the maximum schedular rating under DC 7806. Service connection for high cholesterol and high triglyceride are denied. Service connection for back disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus to include as secondary to skin disability induced obesity is remanded.

The Veteran's scars were initially assigned a noncompensable rating, effective December 7, 2010, and a 10 percent rating, effective May 24, 2016. The Board found no basis for a compensable rating prior to May 24, 2016, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's diabetes was rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7913. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus at any time during the appellate period.,Diabetic neuropathy of the left foot and right foot were each rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 8520, which pertains to neuralgia of the sciatic nerve. The Board found no basis for a higher rating for diabetic neuropathy of either foot.,PTSD was remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and lung cancer due to lack of in-service diagnosis or exposure. The claim for PTSD was remanded.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, heart condition, and diabetes mellitus have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection is denied for these conditions.,PTSD was not found to be related to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, left leg above-knee amputation, and end-stage kidney disease are all granted service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.