Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was initially rated at 20 percent prior to January 27, 2017. As of that date, the Veteran is now entitled to a 60 percent rating for his diabetes mellitus due to increased insulin requirements and hospitalizations. Pressure ulcers are also service-connected as secondary to the diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities. The claim for hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and a lung condition were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and obstructive sleep apnea was also denied as there is no evidence showing they are related to service.,The Veteran's lung condition (asthma) may be connected to cold exposure during a trip to Alaska in 1971. However, the VA examiner found that his current asthma did not stem from this incident and was more likely due to other factors.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of records.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending claims including the claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides while serving aboard the USS Ranger in Vietnam. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's death, which was attributed to diabetes mellitus and presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of in-service injury or exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's hypertension was also denied an increased rating.,Service connection for the right knee disability and diabetes were not granted due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to a recent court decision that expanded the definition of 'service in the Republic of Vietnam' and potential exposure within the territorial sea.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for hypertension due to new evidence received since the 1994 denial. The claims for malaria, gallbladder condition, pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus have all been denied as there is no current diagnosis or credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 60 percent disabling. The RO increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerves to 40 percent each, effective June 26, 2018.,Ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerves were also increased to 20 percent each, effective June 26, 2018. Separate ratings of 30 percent and 20 percent were assigned for radial and median nerve neuropathies, respectively, effective July 18, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and related complications, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to unclear information regarding exposure to Agent Orange in Korea.

The Veteran's claims for eardrum damage, bilateral knee condition, stomach ulcers, and hemorrhoids have all been denied as they are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted due to presumed exposure during his military service in the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to her in-service duties near the DMZ.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to potential discrepancies in medical records.

The Veteran's cause of death was not due to a service-connected disability. None of the conditions noted on his death certificate as contributing to his death were service connected, and no evidence links these conditions with service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for further development due to alleged herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, all claimed as secondary to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, and seizure disorder have been granted. The Veteran's fibromyalgia, chronic URIs, OSA, and diabetes mellitus are remanded for further examination.

The appeals for evaluations of facial scars and muscle impairment, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, vision problems, and sexual dysfunction are dismissed. The issues of service connection for vision problems and sexual dysfunction are remanded due to the need for further development.