Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is denied. The issue of tinnitus was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision could be made. For asbestosis, prior to December 8, 2011, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, but does not warrant a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities or hospitalization for complications.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and found that a higher evaluation is not warranted for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's restrictive lung disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service, to include as due to presumed exposure to an herbicide agent during Vietnam service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disorder (pes planus) has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.,Service connection is denied for a right knee disorder, as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, and associated peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) are found to be related to in-service herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records. The case will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal of the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction associated with type II diabetes mellitus was withdrawn prior to the promulgation of a decision. The claim of entitlement to TDIU prior to September 14, 2017, is dismissed as the evidence does not show that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and the acquisition of updated medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions has been reopened, but the claims are all denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, total left knee replacement, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded for further development as there is insufficient evidence to determine their etiology in service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines. The diabetes mellitus, type II disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, while the diabetic neuropathy of the bladder disability has not yet met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claims of service connection for residuals of herbicide exposure, including prostate cancer, impotence, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a heart disorder. The evidence received since the final rating decisions does not establish new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that service-connected diabetes mellitus type II substantially or materially contributed to the Veteran's death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that additional examination is needed to address the nature and severity of nonservice-connected disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and incontinence. The Veteran's need for assistance appears to be based, at least in part, on bowel and bladder incontinence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand, which is considered presumptive exposure. Therefore, he is entitled to service connection for diabetes mellitus.