Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and new issues have been remanded due to the need for updated VA examination records.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, CAD, and hypertension as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. His bilateral polyneuropathy and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are also granted as secondary to his service-connected DMII.

The Veteran's diabetes and erectile dysfunction are service-connected, but his tuberculosis claim requires further examination. The rating for diabetes remains at 20 percent, and SMC for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic nephropathy, and ischemic heart disease as due to herbicide exposure. The issues of bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus and a pulmonary condition secondary to ischemic heart disease are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for diabetic retinopathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and denied a compensable rating for cataract, left eye. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to the presence of nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board is unable to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service at Eglin AFB in 1964 or 1965, and thus cannot decide on the merits of the claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disorder, erectile dysfunction, and left eye disorder. The case is being remanded to attempt verification of exposure.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I; coronary artery disease (CAD); bilateral eye disorder; and neuropathy are remanded due to new evidence received from a private medical opinion suggesting that these conditions were significantly and materially contributed by the Veteran's service-connected mental health condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the feet due to incomplete information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents near the DMZ during his service, which could potentially grant him service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The issues of erectile dysfunction and depression are also inextricably intertwined with this matter.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is found to be at least as likely as not related to her in-service foot pain, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that his type II diabetes mellitus contributed to his death from COPD and congestive heart failure. The Board considered all evidence including medical records and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for arthritis of the left hand and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient medical opinions. The lower gastrointestinal disorder claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus from December 14, 2012 to the present were denied. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to TDIU due to lack of evidence showing he is unemployable solely by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination and provide any additional relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, associated with diabetes mellitus. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if this condition is related to service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disorders was granted. The claims for higher evaluations for left and right knee limitations of flexion, subluxation, and frequent episodes of locking were also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral edema of the left and right lower extremities, impotency, and diabetes mellitus has been dismissed.,PTSD was granted with a TDIU effective prior to July 7, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted service connection. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 1 and hypogonadism (low testosterone) are remanded.