Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus were not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board found no evidence of continuity of symptomatology for any condition.,While the Veteran reported having hearing difficulties, there is no audiometric evidence showing that he had a bilateral hearing loss disability considered a VA disability for which service connection could be granted.,The Veteran's tinnitus was not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board found no evidence of continuity of symptomatology for this condition.,Hypertension was not shown as chronic in service, and there is no clinical evidence suggesting that it manifested to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The Board also found no evidence of continuity of symptomatology for hypertension.,Type II diabetes mellitus was not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board found no evidence of continuity of symptomatology for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for high blood pressure, acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified depressive disorder), tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide exposure due to insufficient evidence of in-service herbicide agent exposure. The RO is instructed to attempt verification through JSRCC, issue a statement of the case on the diabetes mellitus claim, and readjudicate both issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and a claim of CUE in the effective date of his total disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as an earlier effective date for heart disorder. The claims were based on new evidence submitted after a previous denial.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and a higher evaluation for diabetes mellitus have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in writing.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus type II is granted at a 20 percent rating, effective from November 19, 2015. The Veteran also receives a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and peripheral neuropathy. The appellant is asked to provide more information about his periods of federalized National Guard service and any related diseases or injuries.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam and Korea, as well as new medical evidence suggesting a possible link between his military exposure and diabetes. The case will be further developed with an opinion on whether these exposures are likely to have caused the Veteran's diabetes.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and a skin condition, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes due to potential exposure to burn pits during active duty in Panama.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining complete visual acuity and visual field test results from VA optometry consultations. The issues of a rating in excess of 30 percent for diabetic retinopathy and a TDIU rating prior to May 8, 2013 are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, and various extremity disorders due to insufficient evidence. The issues of service connection are also being remanded for a VA examination regarding peripheral artery disease and PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service connected due to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II due to exposure to herbicides at Fort McClellan in Alabama. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran’s alleged exposure through appropriate development with the JSRRC.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding no current diagnosis of the condition at any point pertinent to the pendency of his claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by esophageal cancer, which is due to or as a consequence of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Board found that the Veteran had these conditions due to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Okinawa.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral knee disability are all granted. The decision also notes that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and psychiatric disorders, as well as outstanding medical records from his 1995 myocardial infarction treatment. The AOJ is required to obtain these records and provide a new opinion on service connection.