Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and diabetic nephropathy with hypertension is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, neuropathy, bronchial asthma, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions during the appeal period.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and provide VA examinations. The claims for kidney failure as secondary to diabetes are also being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica as secondary to his service-connected psoriasis.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and associated erectile dysfunction as secondary to the service-connected diabetes. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms from service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee disability and diabetes mellitus was denied.,A rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is not warranted based on the evidence.

The claim of service connection for melanoma is denied. The claim of service connection for an eye/vision disability, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, migraines, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, thyroid disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression), and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, hematuria, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), and hypertension. The reasons given were that the evidence did not support a finding of exposure to hazardous materials or toxins during service, and there was no medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied service connection for a rash on both hands, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The heart condition claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for type II diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes mellitus prior to November 4, 2016, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus or a rating in excess of 60 percent for chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes mellitus prior to November 4, 2016. Separate compensable ratings are granted for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the issue of service connection for a breathing disorder due to exposure to diesel fuel.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and chronic kidney stones, finding no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hearing loss (claimed as left ear condition), PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral eye disability (diabetic retinopathy and loss of vision), and sleep disorder with fatigue. The issue of service connection for tinnitus was also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The claims are now remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and verify the Veteran’s reported exposure at Andersen Air Force Base.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claims for left knee disorders, hypertension/high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he has returned to work and is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board has remanded the issue due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected asbestos-related pulmonary disease contributed substantially or materially to his death from cardiac dysrhythmia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for sensorineural bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is remanded for diabetes mellitus, type II and its associated peripheral neuropathies.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to his death.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no further action can be taken on these claims.