Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from another person, warranting SMC at the aid and attendance rate. As this is a greater benefit than SMC on account of being housebound, his claim for SMC based on housebound status is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to his service-connected neurogenic bladder disorder, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during active duty and that the preexisting condition did not worsen due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,For diabetes mellitus type II, the current rating of 20 percent is maintained. The Veteran does not require insulin or dietary restrictions.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection for various conditions, including heart disability, hypertension, lymph node disability (including lymphoma), and diabetes mellitus type II, all potentially due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's claim is reopened on new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, lung disorder, cysts of the throat and right parotid gland, skin cancer of the forehead, loss of vision, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, bilateral foot swelling, and bilateral hand disorder. The claims were denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected left kidney disability has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hypertensive retinopathy, heart disability, cholesterol, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II. The Board found no evidence of in-service diagnosis or treatment related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 26, 2010, for service connection of type II diabetes mellitus was denied as the July 2005 rating decision denying service connection became final and no new or material evidence was submitted within the appeal period.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities necessitate the aid and attendance of another person to assist with some activities of daily living and protect him from ordinary hazards. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and diabetes mellitus type II, with the latter being presumed due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's statements regarding his proximity to the air base perimeter have been credited over VA's formal finding of insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as COPD exacerbation, with diabetes mellitus type II and renal insufficiency also contributing. The Board has requested additional records to determine if the diabetes contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and disability ratings related to squamous cell carcinoma, hypertension with renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy as due to toxic herbicide exposure have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for both conditions. The claim for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus due to new and material evidence. However, it was denied as there is no credible evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents in Korea or otherwise during service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain more information about his treatment history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection as there was no timely substantive appeal filed within 60 days of the August 2014 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, lumbar muscle injury, right lower abdomen muscle injury, right thigh muscle injury, and left calf muscle injury are all rated based on their current severity. The Board has found that a higher rating is warranted for the period prior to May 14, 2015, but remanded for further development of his claims due to lack of recent VA examinations and outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for diabetic retinopathy effective June 10, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms of eye pain warranted this rating prior to March 10, 2006.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II associated with herbicide exposure has been rated at 20 percent and is denied an increased rating.