Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and diabetic retinopathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim was based on alleged exposure to herbicide agents during his service aboard the USS Oriskany in Vietnam.,Service connection could not be established due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure or a finding that the Veteran stepped foot on landmass in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right foot condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes due to incomplete records from the Veteran's active service period.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction are not rated higher than the current levels.,PTSD was granted service connection in 2012, but an earlier effective date is denied due to lack of prior claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed related to his exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam. The appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a fistulotomy and denied the remaining issues. Service connection was established for residuals of a fistulotomy, but not for bilateral hearing loss disability, hypertension, viral infection, herpes, or diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for pyorrhea of the gums due to lack of loss of substance of the jawbone or surrounding tissue. The claims for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus as a result of exposure to herbicides are remanded for further investigation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic pulmonary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM II), and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence or further clarification.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for dry mouth is dismissed.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower bilateral extremities, as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), are granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of all related complications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss, pes planus (flat feet), or sleep apnea that is related to service.,The Veteran's flat feet were noted at entry into service and remained asymptomatic throughout his career. The VA examiner found no evidence of aggravation during service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hip condition and type 2 diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that is related to the current conditions. The Veteran's left great toe amputation was granted a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a heart disorder are all granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus II disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds a need for a new VA examination to determine if his condition warrants an increased rating.

Service connection for sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus is denied.,A rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected migraine headaches is denied, with the reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent being improper and the 30 percent rating restored.,The effective date for service-connected lumbar spine disability remains October 16, 2014.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and bilateral lower extremity atherosclerosis is rated at 100 percent effective September 28, 2018. The SMC rate was also increased to the highest level.

The Veteran's initial ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of his VA medical records and consideration of the issues related to service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition only requires oral hypoglycemic agents and a restricted diet.

The appeal of the issue of service connection for high triglycerides is dismissed. The issues of service connection for sinus condition, diabetes mellitus, type II, residuals of ureteral stent, vaginal bleeding, hysterectomy, uterine fibroids, and fibrocystic breasts are remanded.