Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's increased ratings for type 2 diabetes and PTSD are denied. The issues of service connection for diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease are remanded.

The Veteran's manual wheelchair was issued for temporary use after his right foot surgery in 2011 due to service-connected conditions. However, there is no evidence that he used it as a result of his service-connected disabilities in 2014. Therefore, the claim for a clothing allowance for the 2014 calendar year for the manual wheelchair is denied.

The Veteran's annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2014 due to use of a motorized wheelchair (a Permobil Power Wheelchair) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if his wheelchair tends to wear or tear his clothing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions including glaucoma, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disorder, anal abscess, skin cancer, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, exposure to herbicide agents, or a current disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is rated at 40 percent since November 25, 2013. The reduction of the rating from 40 to 20 percent was improper and has been restored.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus type II are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is remanded to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicides during layovers in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The AMC must verify the documents provided by the Veteran and confirm in writing that the requested JSRRC development has been conducted.

The claims to reopen service connection for diabetes, heart disease, lower extremity neurological disabilities, and acquired psychiatric disability are granted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions remain remanded.

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted since February 28, 2017 due to having a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease is granted due to exposure to herbicides during his active duty in Thailand. The Board found the Veteran exposed to herbicides based on credible evidence of his work near the perimeter of Thai Air Force Bases.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II are presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure during service, leading to their grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as new and material evidence was submitted showing a current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar type. However, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II remains denied as no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination findings and requests for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and related complications including peripheral neuropathy, as well as bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, are granted with effective dates of February 23, 2004. The claim for earlier effective date for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that it did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology was not established. The Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, is from decades after his separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had manifested tinnitus since leaving the Republic of Vietnam, and resolved any doubt in his favor to grant service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's onychomycosis is a complication of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran needs further examination and opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has denied service connection for fibromyalgia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.