Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bladder incontinence, basal cell carcinoma, left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and a left hand skin rash due to additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for diabetes mellitus was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The Board found in favor of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating from November 22, 2011 to October 15, 2015. From October 16, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and diabetes mellitus. The claim will be readjudicated after these examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a skin disability (claimed as a rash), prostate cancer, and hypertension, all of which were not found to be related to service or secondary to radiation or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service disease or injury. The Board found that the Veteran meets the percentage rating standards for TDIU due to his combined disability ratings and single disability ratings, which are at least 70 percent. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular A&A or by reason of being housebound was denied as there is no evidence of permanent bedridden status or inability to leave the house. His claim for SMP based on need for regular A&A or by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to his exposure to toxic herbicides during service on the USS Newport News in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, and heart disorder are not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Hypertension, and Depressive Disorder, NOS. The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded to determine if it is related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to herbicide exposure. However, the status of these issues is unknown as they are not explicitly addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits has been granted, and he is now receiving a 100 percent evaluation for his heart condition (CAD). His renal insufficiency with hypertension is rated at 60 percent. He also receives SMC based on housebound status due to his CAD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and right fibular fracture with right ankle strain are not related to service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence showing worsening beyond expected progression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since May 20, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and gastroparesis is rated at 20 percent prior to June 9, 2016, and 60 percent thereafter. The Veteran's atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease (CAD) is also rated at 60 percent since May 10, 2016. Service connection has been established for right and left upper extremity neuropathy, lip disability, mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation, glaucoma/cataracts, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and gastroparesis as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other direct causation.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus did not render him unable to perform the basic functions of self-care or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, thus denying special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, right knee injury, and hip arthritis, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.