Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for coronary heart disease and the cause of death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's period of service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have any service-connected disabilities listed as contributing causes of his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions and need for additional evidence regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Right Shoulder Disorder as the evidence did not support a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at the Ubon RTAFB. The Board finds that he was likely exposed to herbicides during service and grants service connection for this condition on a presumptive basis. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is secondary to his diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran's eye disability, specifically diabetic retinopathy associated with diabetes mellitus, to determine its nature, cause, onset and etiology. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether the eye disability is related to service or caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus but has reopened the claim based on new evidence. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII), as well as his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The remand is necessary due to insufficient evidence regarding presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.307 and 3.309.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand, which could impact his claims for service connection. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prostate cancer, and a kidney condition have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for diabetes mellitus is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and prostate cancer have also been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for hypertension is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney condition remains denied as there is no medical evidence showing any kidney condition manifested within one year of discharge from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of the duties of the hearing officer and the need for evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Board has denied the reopening of multiple service connection claims for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not received to support these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the appellant's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance or render him housebound, as he claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities due to herbicide agent exposure. The claims are being reviewed on a facts found basis as the Veteran was exposed near the perimeter of Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during his active duty.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and effective dates on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for DMII, HTN, and neuropathy is granted. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the requirements to be presumed exposed to herbicide agents in Korea, but his current diagnoses are supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in multiple conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all his pending appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not provided to support the reopening of these claims. The Board also found that there is no nexus between the claimed conditions and active military service.

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, concluding that there is no indication that a pulmonary embolism was related to active service or that any of the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities were a contributory cause of death.