Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus, a headache disorder, PTSD, and type II diabetes mellitus as due to herbicide agent exposure (claimed as Agent Orange). The appeals are not related to service connection issues.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for various conditions, including residuals of a fracture of the left hand, erectile dysfunction, DM, and peripheral neuropathy, is being remanded due to unresolved issues.,DM remains rated at 20 percent from June 24, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA's definition. Service connection was granted for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type 2 as due to exposure to herbicides.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as it was incurred in service.,Service connection for asthma is denied because the condition did not manifest during or within one year after service discharge and there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,Service connection for heart disability, including atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease, is denied due to lack of in-service onset and failure to establish a nexus to service.,Service connection for kidney disability, including hydronephrosis, kidney cysts, kidney calculi, and chronic kidney disease, is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service onset or a nexus to service.,Service connection for basal cell carcinoma is denied because the condition did not manifest during or within one year after service discharge and there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is denied due to lack of an in-service onset and failure to establish a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back disability, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disability (claimed as depression), and eye disability including vision loss. The effective date issue is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing documentation and potential Vietnam exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and a need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left and right ankle disabilities, lumbar spine disability, knee disabilities, hip disabilities, foot disabilities, diabetic retinopathy, shoulder disabilities, cervical spine disability, heart disorder, and psychiatric disorders. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder. His diabetes mellitus type II and post-traumatic stress disorder are both rated at their maximum levels, with the PTSD receiving a higher rating due to its severity. The effective dates for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II and post-traumatic stress disorder remain unchanged.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure. The heart disability issue is remanded as the nature and etiology of any diagnosed heart disability need further clarification.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to any disease, injury or event in service. Service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with nephropathy is not shown to require a regulation of his activities. The Board finds that the disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, both presumed related to herbicide exposure. Service connection for multiple myeloma was denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure and the condition did not manifest within one year after service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an examination to assess his ability to work.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to lack of in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's claims were not granted as his conditions are considered direct service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for dental condition service connection. Diabetes, lung cancer, and liposarcoma of the right posterior thigh are granted with service connection. The claims for arthritis of the bilateral upper extremities, ankles, and hips are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive reaction does not render him so nearly helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor did it cause him to be housebound. Therefore, SMC based on need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction are all rated at their maximum levels. The Board denied increased ratings for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the issue of service connection for depressive disorder.