Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 10 percent prior to November 1, 2017 and 50 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased disability ratings for Type-II diabetes mellitus and left forehead scar, thus the claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's loss of proprioception, including whether it is related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and degenerative arthritis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joints. The decision will be based on a determination of whether these conditions aggravate or cause the Veteran's current condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and lumbar spine osteoarthritis with IVDS have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent each. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for skin disability. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides is under investigation, and his hypertension needs further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development as there may be outstanding VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus type II, gout, and erectile dysfunction (ED) is granted. The claim of service connection for vestibular disorder (claimed as dizziness) remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes is related to his service, specifically exposure at Camp Lejeune. The case will be sent back for a VA examination and an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU from February 17, 2012. From that date, his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, panic attacks, bilateral hearing loss, memory loss, and PTSD due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not shown to be related to his military service, and the Board denied service connection as there is no evidence linking the condition to his time in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disability and diabetes mellitus, type II due to potential in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran served aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61) during his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and posttraumatic stress disorder) require regular aid and attendance. However, he is not substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Board has denied service connection for viral mononucleosis and remanded the claims for low back disability, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever/Lyme disease, scar on chin due to shrapnel wound, cellulitis, thyroid condition, and type II diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims are now pending again with the VA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. The evidence shows that his diabetes is well-controlled with oral hypoglycemic agents and a restricted diet, without requiring regulation of activities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and related conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to assess the functional impairment caused solely by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; a heart disorder; and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to new evidence submitted. The claims are remanded for further development regarding exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and assigned an effective date of April 22, 2011. The Veteran's claim was pending due to a previous denial in February 2012, but the issue remained open because he filed a notice of disagreement.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a new medical opinion regarding whether his sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions related to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.