Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal requesting a higher evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was dismissed because the Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal in February 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is now remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome remains denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition, and it is considered a symptom of her service-connected psychiatric disabilities.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain and bronchitis are both remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, headaches, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure, but remanded the claim for Type 2 diabetes mellitus as there is no current diagnosis in the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for polymyositis, scar of the left lung, and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claims for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as hypertension and erectile dysfunction (to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus), are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's sinusitis has not been manifested by incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge. Therefore, a compensable rating is denied.,Diabetes mellitus, Type II, requires only a restricted diet and oral hypoglycemic agent but does not require insulin or regulation of activities. Thus, the current 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus remains unchanged.,The Veteran's sleep apnea has not been confirmed by VA records, and further clarification is needed regarding its nature and etiology as well as whether it is related to service-connected conditions.,TBI was added to the already service-connected PTSD without separate ratings. The issue of an initial compensable rating for TBI remains unresolved.

The Veteran's current disabilities, including urinary dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation/infertility, are found to be caused by the improper treatment received at the Bronx VAMC in February 2002.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for scars of the bilateral shoulders and base of the neck was denied, but he was granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU prior to November 2011 due to insufficient evidence regarding the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to work during that period. A new VA examination is required.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence to support the assertion that his active duty service caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), diabetic neuropathy of the left hand, right hand, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity due to in-service herbicide agent exposure. The Regional Office should obtain any outstanding service treatment records, military personnel records, and post-service treatment records for the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was not shown to be related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

Right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied as not related to service or exposure to burn pits.,Non-small cell carcinoma of the lung is denied as not related to service or exposure to burn pits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional examination. The issues include right elbow, left knee, and right knee conditions; PTSD; sleep apnea; hypertension; gastrointestinal condition; acid reflux; erectile dysfunction; neuropathy; diabetes mellitus; and heart condition.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary due to the need for further examination and review of records, particularly regarding whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type 2, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus is denied as the correct effective date is October 24, 2011, which is when he submitted a new claim to reopen his previously denied service connection request.