Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated VA records to assess his service-connected ischemic heart disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which may affect his eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment benefits.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea. The Veteran's depression claim for secondary to his lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee condition requires additional evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the conditions to his active service or service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right lumbar radiculopathy, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (vertigo), and diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective December 16, 1992, is granted with an effective date of January 1, 1993.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU due to a lack of medical evidence, as well as an incomplete application for increased compensation based on unemployability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, skin disorder, and type II diabetes mellitus. The AOJ is also instructed to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and obtain all outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is granted at a 40 percent level, but no higher. The issues of service connection for a heart disability and total disability rating based on individual unemployability are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it is related to presumed Agent Orange exposure and supported by sufficient scientific evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and depression. The claims are now remanded to allow for a VA examination regarding cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, depression, and TIA.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and a pulmonary condition (claimed as mesothelioma, asbestosis, bronchiectasis, and COPD) have been reopened. The claim for service connection for DM has been remanded.,Service connection for the claimed pulmonary condition is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to in-service exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is secondary to herbicide agent exposure, has been remanded due to insufficient verification of in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's skin cancer claim remains denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's genitourinary disability following a March 2, 2011 TURP at a private facility is denied under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability and diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and bilateral cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus have worsened since their last evaluations. Therefore, the claims are being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for hairy cell leukemia was dismissed due to the Veteran requesting a withdrawal of his appeal. The appeals for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (left and right lower extremities) are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, and diabetes mellitus is granted. The increased rating claims for PTSD and diabetes mellitus are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and its associated peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's military duties in Thailand are being verified, and a VA examination is needed to determine if his diabetes and related neuropathies are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bronchial asthma and prostate condition due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated after a VA examination.