Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent disability rating for hypertension secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is granted with an effective date of May 4, 2007.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, heart problems, hypertension, and related peripheral neuropathy and dementia due to exposure to Agent Orange. The case will be returned to the Board after the AOJ reviews new evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, nephropathy, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and Charcot.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD with associated dysthymia was granted. The effective date for the 70% rating for PTSD is June 8, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus Type II was diagnosed within one year of separation from service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and lung cancer due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is remanded due to the lack of a medical opinion linking it to his military service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by or due to active service. The Board found no evidence of hypertension and diabetes, which are necessary for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 18, 2013. The case will be reviewed after further development of the hypertension issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to chemical agents during service, specifically herbicides and pesticides. The claim will be reconsidered after further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to new evidence not having been considered by the RO.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, and the Board denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, effective September 29, 2009. Service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to the absence of evidence showing a disability level warranting such a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for malaria is denied as there is no active disease or residuals related to malaria.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is denied due to the absence of chronic congestive heart failure, a workload of less than 3 METs, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no evidence showing the required criteria for such a higher rating.

The claim of service connection for gout is reopened, but the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis and there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for a lower back condition is denied as there is no current disability and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service and absence of medical evidence linking the condition to service.,Service connection for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for knot on groin (claimed as lymph node condition and possible hernia) is denied as there is no current disability and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for chronic laryngitis is granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran required regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including PVD and diabetes. However, additional development is needed to determine if other conditions such as psychiatric disorder or coronary artery disease also rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and hemorrhoids for further development. The claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Board denied service connection for neurological disabilities of the upper and lower extremities, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hammer toe of the left fifth digit, right knee disability, and left knee disability as secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability.,Service connection was granted for a left great toe disability with arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to herbicide exposure, as they are unclear about his duties at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base and whether he was exposed to herbicides. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran’s duties and attempt to obtain any additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis and diabetes mellitus, type I. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.