Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service onset of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's glaucoma and prostate disability. The rating for seborrheic dermatitis and tinea barbae is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and umbilical hernia, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, he is granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of VA pension benefits in the amount of $12,437.00 due to fault on the part of VA and undue financial hardship.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and left shoulder disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer as the evidence did not establish a link to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The Board also finds that the issue of service connection for hypertension (secondary to coronary artery disease) needs further development and remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and atrial fibrillation are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to missing records, need for new examinations, and the need for VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with renal insufficiency, coronary artery disease status post stent placement, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM) with erectile dysfunction (ED) is denied. The evidence does not show the required severity for a higher schedular rating.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus due to a lack of evidence showing herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for service connection of hypertension and diabetes mellitus as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The VA medical opinions provided clear evidence against these claims, with no significant rationale given by Dr. Cook.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for type 2 diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity neurological disability, circulatory disability, sleep disability (including sleep apnea and sleep deprivation), hypertensive vascular disease, and respiratory disability due to outstanding treatment records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a heart disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of prior formal or informal claims before March 30, 2011.,The effective dates for the grants of service connection are set at March 30, 2010 and March 30, 2011 respectively.

The Veteran's dizziness, headaches, and pes planus of the left foot have been granted service connection.,Service connection for tinnitus has also been granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.