Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bladder dysfunction, CAD, diabetes mellitus, Type II) are considered to have contributed substantially or materially to his death from COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, heart disease, prostate hypertrophy, chloracne, diabetes mellitus, type II, and headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, as PTSD does not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, hip disorder, diabetes, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded several issues for further adjudication due to the need for additional medical records and a determination of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus type II have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of in-service onset or relationship between his current conditions and active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand and finds that diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be related to this exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's need for higher level of aid and attendance is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate under Section 1114(r) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or significant disabilities exceeding the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and denied the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the extremities, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II due to insufficient examination of diabetic retinopathy and dental conditions. The Veteran needs new examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and CAD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, Diverticular disease, Sinusitis, Obstructive sleep apnea, and Diabetes mellitus, type II as they are not proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, OSA, neuropathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hiatal hernia. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for allergies was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board denied service connection for neck, right shoulder, and right foot neuroma disorders. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not linked to his active service due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for coronary artery disease was also denied as the Veteran did not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, as due to herbicide exposure. The claim for ischemic heart disease is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for presbyopia, diabetes mellitus, and a chronic disability manifested by lost sensation in the feet and fingers other than peripheral vascular disease are denied. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD with depression from July 8, 2014 to August 11, 2014 is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted. Additionally, the TDIU claim is being referred back for further action.