Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD have been granted service connection based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during active duty. The TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction has been rated at 20 percent, and is not entitled to a higher rating.,Prior to December 13, 2018, the Veteran's sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 10 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 40 percent in each leg.,Prior to December 13, 2018, the Veteran's sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 40 percent in each leg.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of loss of use in any extremity, and his claims are denied.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between his current disabilities and active duty service.

The Veteran is granted an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2017 due to his use of Hydrophilic Topical Cream, which causes irreparable damage to his pants.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound, finding that there was no factual evidence to support a need for regular aid and attendance prior to December 3, 2012.

The Board has denied reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee and foot disorders, heart disorder, eye injury residuals, Meniere’s Syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the upper extremities, left shoulder injury, right wrist disorder, fractured ribs, ear disorder (excluding hearing loss), tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, bleeding disorder, and diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded for further action on a claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostate cancer, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but denied. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for lung cancer (now referred to as respiratory condition). Service connection was not granted for liver condition or diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, satisfied with the compensation awarded for diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional evidence and to address the inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disorder as the conditions did not manifest during active duty or within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claims for various disabilities were dismissed due to their death.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and several other musculoskeletal issues. The decision also includes remands for tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and erectile dysfunction have been granted ratings. The spine disability and skin disability issues are remanded for further examination and evaluation. Diabetes mellitus is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the DIC claim as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, chronic kidney disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and retinopathy is being remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on the periods of active duty or ACDUTRA military service from December 1975 to April 1976.