Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides related to the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma in the left eye, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that these conditions are not related to his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded the issues of organic brain injury, right hip injury, ischemic heart disease (due to herbicide exposure), hearing loss, and PTSD with major depressive disorder for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, as his education and previous work experience allow for transferable skills. His disabilities are all in stable condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to his lumbar spine, cervical spine, right ankle, hearing loss, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, chronic urination (neurogenic bladder), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet require further examination and opinion due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of the Appellant's contentions regarding her husband's mental health conditions and alleged herbicide exposure. The VA must obtain a formal finding from the JSRRC regarding the Veteran’s alleged herbicide exposure, and develop the Appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy was granted. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of in-service exposure and no evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 40 percent effective November 26, 2014. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral Dupuytren's contracture is not a separate disability from his diabetes and thus does not warrant a separate rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral foot condition, hand condition, hormone imbalance, diabetes mellitus, loss of teeth, and residuals of cancer of the throat and larynx, has been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The case is remanded for further examination regarding the claim for residuals of cancer of the throat and larynx.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which he alleges is due to exposure to herbicide agents in Korea, has been remanded. The VA needs to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure and secure his complete service personnel records.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for erectile dysfunction is remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion, and the claim for hearing loss is remanded to obtain a supplemental opinion from an audiologist.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (claimed as skin sensitivity) and remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a right wrist laceration, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including arthritis, olecranon bursitis of both elbows, low back disability, left and right hip disabilities, Lyme disease, Lupus, pulmonary embolism and infarction, erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand also includes a request for additional VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including low back strain and hypertension. The claims are remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was rated at 40 percent from May 20, 2010 to October 22, 2012.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, aplastic anemia, and kidney disease due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The VA is instructed to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.