Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypertension associated with diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus. The Board has determined that TDIU is warranted based on these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes and its complications. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran was granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to new and material evidence. However, the issue remains remanded as an addendum VA opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's heart disability was a contributing factor to his death.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current disability status and complications.

The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy and coronary artery disease (CAD) were granted service connection for accrued benefits purposes. The effective date for the grant of service connection for CAD is set at August 22, 2008.

The Veteran was granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus Type II, and Parkinson's disease due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Vietnam. He is also awarded special monthly compensation at the (l) level based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. However, financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment is denied due to lack of qualifying disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the issues have not yet been recertified for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, prostate cancer, skin condition, diabetes mellitus, and pituitary gland tumor due to lack of complete service personnel records.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not meet the criteria for burial benefits due to lack of service connection or other qualifying circumstances.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding herbicide or pesticide exposure claims, including those related to type II diabetes mellitus and liver disease.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left ear hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, residuals of cyst removal, and chloracne due to procedural errors. The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with dyslipidemia remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to determine if he was exposed to herbicide agents during his period of service, which is required to decide these claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, reopening the claims for service connection for diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.,Service connection is granted for diabetes and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was granted, with the Board finding new and material evidence to reopen the claim. Service connection is also granted for hypertension as secondary to herbicide agent exposure.,However, the issue of whether hypertension is related to service or any disease, injury, or event during service, including exposure to herbicide agents, remains remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for left knee disability prior to January 6, 2011 has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private medical records, including those from 2007 at Balboa Naval Medical Center and Chula Vista Naval Branch Health Clinic. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine the etiology of both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Back Disorder, Right Hip Disorder, Right Knee Disorder, Left Foot Disorder, and Fungal Rash due to lack of new and material evidence. The issues were remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition is dismissed as he withdrew the claim. The case remains on remand for other issues.,The Veteran’s scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine disability does not warrant a higher rating due to its current level of impairment.