Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes, hypertension, sarcoidosis, a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis. The Board found no evidence that these conditions began during or were caused by his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and ensuring all relevant medical providers are contacted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The left hand GSW residuals are rated as moderately severe but do not warrant an increased rating. The other service-connected conditions have been evaluated based on their current ratings.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including chronic lumbosacral strain, mood disorder, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service connection claims are granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, and other conditions. The appeal is based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression secondary to other service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with diabetic retinopathy has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the appropriate rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic renal disease associated with diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities have rendered him unemployable. The Board granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) effective April 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his diabetes with peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, require daily aid and assistance. The need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete personnel records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's service aboard the U.S.S. Pine Island is in question, but his skin disorder may be related to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) need to be verified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for DM II, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his blindness due to eye disabilities and anxiety disorder, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 12, 2013 for the award of service connection for residuals of a back injury was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support earlier assignment of an effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 30, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen claims for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability is reopened but the Veteran's right knee disability is not found to be related to his period of active service.