Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and diabetes mellitus were reopened due to new and material evidence, and both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected PTSD, which makes it impossible for him to obtain and maintain substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective date for TDIU due to missing VA treatment records and incomplete examination reports.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are both rated at 20 percent, which do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The same applies to his right lower extremity.,Prior to October 9, 2012, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 was rated at 20 percent and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or chemicals and insufficient medical evidence linking his current diagnosis to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further development regarding his eye disability.

The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was not reopened, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric condition including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic neuropathy of all four extremities have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure.

The Board has requested additional medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's service-connected fatty liver infiltration contributed to his diabetes, and whether he developed a liver condition from vaccinations in service. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted service connection. The effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for 'degenerative disease of the whole body,' right shoulder degenerative joint disease, and an increased rating for right ankle degenerative joint disease. The claims for high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and coronary heart disease are all being remanded for further evaluation as his conditions have worsened.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for joint pain in the hands and feet, low back disorder, and depression due to potential outstanding private treatment records. The claim for diabetes mellitus remains denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and right upper extremity weakness are currently rated at the lowest possible levels, with no higher ratings granted. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of regulation of activities for diabetes mellitus or severe incomplete paralysis for the right upper extremity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hand disability, toenail fungus, CTS, depression, and memory loss have been granted. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened due to new evidence indicating possible onset prior to December 1972.