Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted, as the evidence shows a diagnosis of PTSD related to military service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder) is also granted, with the opinion that it is caused by PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is granted, with diabetes mellitus being presumed due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Hypertension is found secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and its secondary effects on other conditions, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury, or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective September 6, 2016. He also received special monthly compensation for housebound status since that date.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of heart disability, left wrist disability, mononucleosis, and sleep apnea. The claim for PTSD was granted with new and material evidence but not reopened as it is considered a direct service connection case. Service connection for diabetes mellitus II was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was effective from March 1, 2010. The Appellant is not entitled to enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(2) as the Veteran did not have a continuous period of at least eight years of total disability prior to his death.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back condition/arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type 2 as there was no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's thoracic spine strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds a 20 percent rating is warranted.,The Veteran’s right elbow lateral epicondylitis warrants an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.,The effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus must be earlier than December 17, 2007.,The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy requires a higher initial rating.,The Veteran’s coronary artery disease with bypass graft warrants an initial rating in excess of 30 percent.,The effective date for service connection of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy must be earlier than March 25, 2010.,The Veteran's hypertension requires a higher initial compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and heart disability due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service records indicate he served in Vietnam with awards like the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

The Board has remanded the cases due to issues related to CUE in previous rating decisions, and the current appeal is considered inextricably intertwined with these matters.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) as secondary to the Veteran's lack of exercise due to his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received after the June 2015 SOC, including VA treatment records and a need for a VA examination for squamous cell carcinoma on the back.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from December 25, 2008 to July 9, 2012. The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, gastroparesis, and syncope are also connected to his now service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his type II diabetes mellitus. The claim will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for polyglandular autoimmune syndrome with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type I (autoimmune) diabetes, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current hearing disability. Service connection was denied for type II diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking it to military service.