Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of the upper and lower extremities, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, have been granted.,However, his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.

The Veteran's DM with erectile dysfunction has been rated at 40 percent since May 15, 2017. Prior to that date, the condition was rated at 20 percent.,Effective May 15, 2017, a separate rating of 20 percent for penis deformity with loss of erectile power has been granted.

The Veteran's CAD was granted a disability rating of 60 percent, effective April 15, 2016.,PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II with diabetic retinopathy were denied increased ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's unemployability is based on his PTSD symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine disorder, and asbestosis/COPD are service-connected based on direct evidence of a link to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and microalbuminuria was denied. His claim for service connection for hypertension, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, was not established. The issue of service connection for PTSD is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's heart condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating beyond what has been assigned.,The Veteran's diabetes requires insulin, restricted diet but not regulation of activities and does not warrant an increased rating.,The Veteran's scar is linear and neither painful nor unstable and does not warrant a compensable rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of his claimed exposures during service and a VA examination to determine the relationship between his current type 2 diabetes mellitus and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and hepatitis C. The Veteran will be asked to provide medical records from any healthcare providers who have treated him since service.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are found to be at least as likely as not related to his military service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral leg rash have been remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus II, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, which he claims was caused by exposure to herbicides during his military service. The VA has not verified whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed in Thailand with a specific MOS of heavy truck driver. Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's exposure to herbicides can be confirmed.

The Board found no evidence of Agent Orange exposure and denied service connection for the Veteran's heart condition, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of established herbicide exposure and for clarification of the November 2014 private medical opinion.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings in several conditions, including type II diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, and a surgical scar of the sternum. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of his diabetes mellitus and associated complications, as well as for a TDIU claim. The AOJ must obtain treatment records from his private physicians and arrange for a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus has been reopened and granted, with the presumption that exposure to herbicide agents during his active service in Thailand caused or contributed to his development of this condition.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has also been granted, based on the presumption that exposure to herbicide agents during his active service in Thailand caused or contributed to his development of this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him disabled to the extent that he requires the regular aid and assistance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.