Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease as the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or have evidence of exposure to herbicide agents. The causes of death (colon cancer) were not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes have been granted. The issues of residuals of an eye injury, diabetic retinopathy secondary to diabetes, hypertension secondary to diabetes, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities secondary to diabetes are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as it did not meet the criteria for regulation of activities needed for a 40 percent rating.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for initial compensable ratings for bilateral dry eye disorder and tension headaches, service connection for various conditions, and a VA examination is required to address the etiology of hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cancer of the neck, heart condition, and diabetes mellitus type II are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

The Veteran's death is due to multiple conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease. The Board finds it unclear if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Korea, which could affect his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea, finding that the conditions did not manifest during service or due to in-service exposure.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of death (chronic aspiration pneumonia, altered mental state, new onset seizure disorder) is not related to VA care or treatment. The Board denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new medical opinion regarding whether his hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and left knee disability due to in-service herbicide agent exposure, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran's service records indicate possible herbicide exposure during his time stationed at Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base. VA must obtain relevant treatment records and verify the Veteran’s duty station and potential exposure.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right finger disability, cervical spine disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, heart disability (to include coronary artery disease), hypertension, high cholesterol, melanoma, diabetes mellitus, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety).

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as they are no longer relevant.

The claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, a nervous condition, lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have been dismissed.

This case is remanded due to the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, an eye disorder, hemorrhoids, and a prostate disorder as secondary to herbicide exposure. The claims were remanded for further examination regarding cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further evaluation of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, including its complications.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and early-onset peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted as due to Agent Orange exposure. The claims for amputation of the second toe, left foot; ulcers of both feet; and Charcot of the right foot are remanded.