Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU. The initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, with the claims for peripheral neuropathy on both upper and lower extremities being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings for his eye conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Veteran had already been granted secondary service connection for bilateral cataracts, post-surgery, and left eye glaucoma.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance prior to April 24, 2018 was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for a full step increase under subsection (p) due to lack of additional single permanent disability independently ratable at 100 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected left hip and left knee disabilities.,Service connection for a lower back disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2 are granted.,An initial rating of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 23, 2018, is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective October 31, 2008. The Veteran now meets the schedular requirements for SMC at the housebound rate as of March 28, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for RLE radiculopathy, sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and lumbar spine disorder, and DMII is granted. The Veteran has been assigned a 50% rating for PTSD effective from June 26, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions. The claims will be reconsidered after all requested development is completed.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected type II diabetes mellitus was denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding hypertension and peripheral neuropathy.

The claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder, heart disorder, and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted. The Veteran's current treatment records support the existence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for leukemia, which is claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right hip was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and no link to service.,Service connection was also denied for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, low back condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board found that there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service, and that any relationship to service-connected disabilities is not supported by the medical evidence.

The Board has decided that an addendum opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and no effective dates are being assigned as the claims have become moot.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and related peripheral neuropathy claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.,An effective date earlier than April 2, 2012 is denied for the awards of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD and a 20 percent evaluation for shell fragment wound, right ulnar nerve.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.