Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and eye disabilities have been rated as noncompensable. The Board found that the diabetes did not require regulation of activities, and the eye disabilities were productive of visual acuity of 20/40 or better in both eyes without any significant visual field defects.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, eye disorder, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or service connection.,Service connection for cerebrovascular accident was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as secondary to steroid treatment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition has not required regulation of activities.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been granted service connection. Service connection for fibromyalgia, acid reflux, and other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. However, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a temporary total disability rating are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and records. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability is also remanded as it could have a direct impact on these other issues.

The Board has remanded two claims: one for service connection for diabetes mellitus, and another for an increased rating for traumatic arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran reported exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand, Guam, and Korea but further verification is needed. A VA examination is required to assess the severity of the left knee disability during flare-ups.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence showing that hypertension was caused or permanently aggravated by diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected multinodular goiter, status post thyroidectomy, is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine whether the Veteran suffers from residuals that could be independently rated under the new criteria and for opinions on the etiology of her hypertension and endocrine disability.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding it related to exposure to environmental toxins during the Veteran's service at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the increased disability ratings and TDIU claim remain denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and severance of service connection was granted. The Veteran received a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease, which is the maximum allowed under current regulations. Service connection for left ear hearing loss was restored due to improper severance. The Veteran also received TDIU benefits effective July 28, 2011.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep disability, erectile dysfunction, left knee disability, right knee disability, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for diabetes mellitus, type II and its complications, as well as various eye disabilities, heart conditions, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disorders. The remand is due to the need to verify the Veteran’s reported exposure to herbicides while in Panama.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and Type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to asbestos and herbicide agents, respectively, need further development. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records and verify any potential exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for skin cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities associated with diabetes due to alleged exposure to herbicides in Thailand. The Veteran's duty assignments are unclear, and further verification is needed.