Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim for bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease is remanded as the cause of this condition needs further clarification.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His heart disability and tinnitus are currently rated as 60 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder was denied, as he did not meet the DSM criteria. The reduction in his lumbar spine rating from 40% to 20% effective September 3, 2015 was found to be proper due to improvement evidenced by more restricted range of motion and increased radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied, but his claim for type II diabetes mellitus was granted with a rating of 100% effective from the date of his separation from active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The RO must obtain medical opinions on these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not provided to support the previously denied conditions.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. His hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted, but diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right knee disabilities, DM, ischemic heart disease, TBI, and peripheral neuropathy are all denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection for DM was not granted because the condition did not manifest within one year after discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied as the earliest possible effective date would be March 27, 2017, when he submitted a new application. The Board found no evidence that his condition was diagnosed prior to this date.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD prior to October 3, 2016 and since December 1, 2016.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal regarding increased ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus was granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, which is related to exposure to certain herbicides and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his cardiac condition, peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy due to Agent Orange exposure. The appeals are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease due to conflicting medical records and unclear nature of the Veteran's claim. The case is being returned for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding both conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, type II and skin disability, due to in-service exposure to herbicides. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran’s assertions of in-service herbicide exposure and provide VA examinations to determine the dates of initial onset and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The payment of adjusted military retired pay and adjusted VA compensation benefits in 2010 and 2015 was proper, as the Veteran received these payments despite receiving military retired pay. The appeal is denied.

All issues on appeal are remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and right foot amputation have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to a Board decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and related issues. The case is remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to exposure to environmental toxins during service.

The Board has granted service connection for several conditions, including lumbar spondylosis with DDD, radiculitis of the right and left lower extremities, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis with DDD, residuals of a hip fracture, and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea, and hypertension.