Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected heart condition and other disabilities have affected his ability to work, leading him to retire early in 2006. The Board finds that the Veteran may be unemployable due to his service-connected heart condition prior to January 2008.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection for various conditions, including bronchial asthma, a full body rash, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The Veteran's exposure is presumed due to his service in the Air Force or Air Force Reserve under circumstances involving contact with C-123 aircraft used to spray herbicide agents during Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also meets the requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and diabetes, both related to herbicide exposure in Korea. Additional development is needed to verify his claimed exposure and determine if these conditions are service-connected.

The appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, headaches, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (right upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve, left lower extremity), peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve, right lower extremity), and peripheral neuropathy (femoral nerve, left lower extremity) are all denied. The Board has remanded the claims for these conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the right inguinal hernia scar rating and service connection for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to a lack of recent VA examinations and potential procedural errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for urinary incontinence was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The rating for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, as the condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings. The PTSD rating is maintained at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee strain and increased ratings for lumbar strain and diabetes mellitus due to pending evidentiary development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of diabetes mellitus was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 7, 2016 for the service connection of various conditions including diabetes mellitus and its complications. The Veteran's original claim was filed on that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of performing his activities of daily living and require regular aid and assistance to protect him from hazards.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied. An earlier effective date prior to June 15, 2012 for service connection of hemorrhoids is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for osteoporosis, acid reflux, thyroid disability, and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims for further development and examination, including those related to degenerative arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, poor blood circulation, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hip disability, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, pelvic disability, headaches, and depression. The decision also remanded issues related to a rating increase for epilepsy and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, with diabetes mellitus contributing to the cause. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities from October 1, 2010 to June 24, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is managed with insulin, restricted diet and regulated physical activity. The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the entire period of appeal.