Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's atherosclerotic heart disease with single-vessel coronary disease and diabetes mellitus, Type II (DMII) are granted service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hand disability (arthritis), bilateral knee disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, gall bladder removal residuals, thyroid condition, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The claims are pending on appeal.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted. The claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy of the right eye, peripheral diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to a lack of a nexus opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, left leg amputation, hypertension, neuropathy of the right leg and both hands, vision problems, and high cholesterol have all been reopened.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cerebral vascular accident residuals and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him in need of aid and attendance prior to July 22, 2016. Since then, he has required assistance due to the severity of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities. The claims for service connection and special monthly compensation are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and SMC must be remanded due to uncertainty about his exposure to herbicides during service. The AOJ will verify this information and determine if he served in the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has restored an 80 percent disability rating for diabetic nephropathy, finding that the July 2014 decision was not clear and unmistakable error.

The appeal of the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is dismissed. The claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for partial complex seizures, service connection for OSA, and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy are all remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing with RO personnel.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective March 2, 2001 and increased to 70% effective December 12, 2008.,The Veteran’s type two diabetes mellitus with associated erectile dysfunction remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar spine/low back disability and respiratory issues (including asbestosis), right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, headaches, diabetes mellitus type II, hemorrhoids, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the receipt of new and material evidence. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated with additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its secondary effect on hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for unstable angina, brady-tachy syndrome s/p pacemaker implantation, and diabetes type 2 as secondary to herbicide exposure during active service. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of herbicide exposure or a link between his conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that the Veteran's in-service periodontitis was likely an early manifestation of his current diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to February 19, 2013. The Board found that the cumulative effects of his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lung cancer, bladder cancer, and diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.