Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus was granted, with a current effective date of March 28, 2005. The Veteran also received separate ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, to service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's neuropathy of the feet is not considered secondary to his diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and neuropathy of the feet have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) for extraschedular consideration as the Veteran's disability ratings do not meet the schedular criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA guidelines.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, finding that there is not enough evidence to support this claim.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, hypertension, prostate disorder, bilateral knee disorder, pes planus, and left shoulder disorder as the evidence did not support a link to active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder), OSA, migraine headaches, and left knee pain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, right leg restless leg syndrome, left leg restless leg syndrome, cervical spine osteoarthritis, and left arm radiculopathy is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was denied due to lack of a timely notice of disagreement. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to December 22, 2010, but the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he has been unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since then.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a testicular disorder, bilateral foot fungus and diabetes mellitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen these claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and denied entitlement to a higher rating for the Veteran's low back disability. The appeal was granted in part for a separate 10 percent disability rating for right knee instability effective December 19, 2014.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted for any conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disability, initial increased ratings for PTSD, and special monthly compensation based on being permanently housebound prior to October 12, 2005. The issues are related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions and need further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including severance of service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type 2. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional medical records and undergo examinations to assess his current disability levels.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The appeals for increased ratings are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file is incomplete and requires additional information from her service records, VA treatment records, and private medical providers. The claims are being remanded to ensure a complete record for review.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted. Service connection for low back disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and the Board found that his current condition is not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his military service at U-Tapao RTAFB.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and glaucoma (secondary to diabetes) based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving in Korea, leading to presumptive service connection for diabetes. Glaucoma is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes.