Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability, as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is secondary to herbicide agent exposure. The Board has remanded the case due to potential in-service exposure on board the USS San Bernadino within the territorial sea of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an upper respiratory disorder was denied due to lack of causation by VA, and his claims for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound were also denied.

The Veteran's service in the Republic of Vietnam is unclear, and further research is needed to determine if he was within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea. This will help establish whether his diabetes mellitus, type II, is due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange in Okinawa, Japan. The claim will be reviewed again for service connection based on possible exposure.

The Veteran's rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied, but a TDIU is granted throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran served within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam while on board the USS Coral Sea, which could affect his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II, due to the need to verify the ship's location during the Veteran's service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive asthma, sarcoidosis, and major depressive disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to environmental irritants during service is conceded.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand triggers a presumption of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, which he contends was caused by exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand during his active military service, has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had presumed exposure to herbicide agents and thus established service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcoholism is granted. The claims for left shoulder disability, vision problems, hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's service records do not show shore duty or leave in Vietnam, but further investigation is needed to determine if the USS Platte was within 12 nautical miles from the coast of Vietnam while the Veteran was on board.

Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus, Type II, heart disorder, Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer. Service connection remains denied for the other conditions.

The Veteran's death was caused by intracerebral hemorrhage due to hypertension, which is not service-connected. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied as the Veteran did not meet the requirement of having a total rating for service connected disability for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, type II, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of August 13, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's service aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise was within Vietnam's territorial sea, which could affect his claim for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicides while stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.