Diabetes decisions — 2019

Service connection for a low back disability is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, variously diagnosed as adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, depression, and PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that exposure to herbicides during service is presumed. Service connection was also granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to diabetes, which was found to be service-connected based on exposure to herbicides during his military service.

The Veteran's diabetes and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are granted service connection. The issues of upper extremity neuropathy and compensation for a MRSA infection following a biopsy are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected, but his obesity and other conditions are not.,Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) may be related to the Veteran's service, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 10, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right hand and shoulder injuries, diabetes mellitus type II, and malaria, have rendered him unable to secure or retain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type two, due to herbicide exposure, has been dismissed because the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since July 14, 2014. The Board has granted a TDIU effective that date.

The claim for a heart condition has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claims for right and left ankle disabilities have been reopened based on the submission of new evidence, but service connection is denied as there is no direct or secondary evidence linking these conditions to service.,Diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service and is not related to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities has not been shown to be related to service, nor is it linked to a pre-existing condition. Service connection is denied.,Diabetic retinopathy was not documented during service or within one year after separation and is not considered secondary to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,A kidney condition was not diagnosed in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. Service connection is denied.,Vertigo has not been shown to be related to service. Service connection is denied.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was not documented during service and is not considered secondary to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Gout was not diagnosed in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. Service connection is denied.,A lung disability manifested by spots in the lung has not been shown to be related to service. Service connection is denied.,Neurological condition manifested by tremors has not been shown to be related to service. Service connection is denied.,Sleep apnea was not shown to be related to service or any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Left shoulder disability was not diagnosed in service and is not considered secondary to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Hypertension did not have its onset during service, nor is it linked to a pre-existing condition. Service connection is denied.,Erectile dysfunction was not shown to be related to service or any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Left hip disability and right ear condition (manifested by swelling and drainage) were not diagnosed in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking them to service. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to April 27, 2011 and has been granted a 70% evaluation from that date until February 5, 2017.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is reopened, but the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension are granted as service-connected. The Board also grants the claims for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that they are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. Service connection is denied for bilateral optic neuropathy.

The Board has dismissed the appeals on all issues related to service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, and neurological disabilities of the upper extremities have been granted service connection. The Veteran has also received increased ratings for his migraine headaches and a TDIU effective July 2014.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to unresolved issues related to service connection. The hypertension claim is granted, while diabetes and peripheral neuropathy claims are pending.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability, service connection for diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea, and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection and rating issues. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, but his conditions have not worsened enough to warrant a higher rating.