Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide agent exposure. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any erectile dysfunction, including whether it is related to service or caused by diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II, finding no in-service exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and cataracts is currently rated at 20 percent, which requires a restricted diet and insulin. The Board found that the Veteran does not require regulation of activities due to his diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension are inextricably intertwined, necessitating remand for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his diabetes mellitus. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its connection with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 17, 2015, for special monthly compensation based on housebound status is denied as the minimum requirements for such compensation were not met prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to prove permanent and total disability, as well as other functional limitations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, joint pain, respiratory disability (asthma/lung condition), heart disability, and diabetes mellitus were denied in March 2008. The appeals for these issues have been granted.,An effective date of February 20, 2008 was granted for service connection for PTSD.

The appeals for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are related to his service-connected thyroid condition. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, arteriosclerosis, and nephropathy due to conflicting evidence of record regarding the diagnosis of diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation and specially adapted housing due to inadequate development of evidence related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes, type I and status-post acute kidney injury secondary to diabetic ketoacidosis are granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus, preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic retinopathy but has remanded the issues of service connection for an eye disorder other than diabetic retinopathy and Hashimoto's disease.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection on all issues except nonservice-connected pension, which was also withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include back disability, diabetic retinopathy, coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were dismissed. The appeal for TDIU was also dismissed as the Veteran does not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for diabetes mellitus, denied service connection for low back disability and right knee disability, and denied service connection for sleep apnea.