Diabetes decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer and a rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus due to lack of an effective date determination, need for VA examination, and need for additional treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded as the Board found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current psychiatric condition and any in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, initial rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, initial rating greater than 10 percent for left lower extremity disability (neuropathy), and initial rating greater than 10 percent for right lower extremity disability (neuropathy) are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, angina, neurogenic bladder secondary to DDD, and CAD secondary to type II diabetes mellitus.,Service connection is established for these conditions as they are found to be at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease other than atrial fibrillation with left ventricular hypokinesis was denied.,PTSD was rated at 50 percent, and the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for right and left lower extremity neurological disorders, including radiculopathy. The remand requires an addendum opinion to address whether his diagnosed conditions are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected osteoarthritic changes of the sacroiliac joints.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was first diagnosed within one year of his separation from active duty and is considered a presumptive condition due to the nature of his service. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board restored service connection for traumatic pancreatitis, diabetes, major depressive disorder, cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease status post MI and CABG, and residuals of stroke. The TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were also restored.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, chloracne (lower extremity), and trench foot as they were not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial increased rating for coronary artery disease and substitution of claimant. The appellant must be provided with a statement of the case addressing these issues, and if she perfects her appeal, they will be returned to the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of submitted evidence.,The Veteran is seeking an increase in his rating for diabetic nephropathy. The Board finds that a new examination is needed as his diabetes has worsened, and this condition is intertwined with his nephropathy.,The Veteran seeks increased ratings for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type two. His claim will be remanded due to the need for an updated examination.,The Veteran claims entitlement to a higher rating for bronchial asthma, which has not been evaluated in over 8 years. A new examination is needed.,The Veteran alleges CUE in his service connection denial for depression and sleep apnea. His claim will be remanded as the issue of service connection remains pending.,The Veteran claims entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, which was denied due to CUE. The claim will be remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The remaining issues were remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis is rated at 40 percent from March 22, 2012. The rating for diabetes mellitus and hypertension remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his claims for right ankle disability and diabetes mellitus, type II prior to a decision being made. Service connection was granted for tinnitus but denied for sleep apnea, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, neuropathy of left lower extremity, and neuropathy of right lower extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for arthrosis of the lumbar spine, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. Service connection for insomnia as a manifestation of PTSD is also granted. The claims for hypertension, headaches, pulmonary disability, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to lack of definitive opinions.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand and thus no presumptive service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, which requires insulin and a restricted diet, has been granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and tinnitus have been granted. However, the remaining claims related to bilateral lower extremity disability, bilateral upper extremity disability, urinary disability, left ankle disability, left knee disability (secondary to left ankle), lower back disability (secondary to left ankle), bilateral hearing loss, and residuals of a ruptured ear drum have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II (DM) with erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination. The issue of service connection for a kidney condition remains unresolved.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by active service and is not related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for service connection for congestive heart failure and right eye disability (stroke) are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.