Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has found that the reduction in rating for multiple myeloma from 100% to noncompensable, effective May 1, 2015 was proper. The Veteran's combined disability rating is now at 80%, resulting in a reduction of his compensation benefits.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with onychomycosis is rated at a 40 percent disability rating beginning November 19, 2014. The Veteran also receives a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities from that date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for hypertension, actinic and seborrheic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas, status post removal, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a left leg disability, and hypertension. The Veteran's diabetes was not shown to be caused or aggravated by her service-connected psychiatric disorder. Her left leg condition is not related to any injury in service. And her hypertension did not have its onset during service.,The Board also denied service connection for sleeplessness as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no current disability.

The Board denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 7, 2009 and denied entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation or meet the criteria for SMC due to the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since May 5, 2005. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of regulation of activities required for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for additional development and examination, as well as consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death. The appellant and her representative have provided medical articles suggesting a link between PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and other conditions. However, no definitive opinion is available in the record.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation and there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service.,The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the feet is denied as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation and there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is denied as it was first diagnosed after service, and there is no evidence that it began in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes insipidus and peripheral neuropathy of the right leg. The issue of service connection for fluid seepage, dampness, wetness, oozing from both ears is remanded.,The Veteran was not granted service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a left shoulder condition, and arthritis. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to metastatic renal cancer, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), and hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and that his DM was related to this exposure. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for psoriatic arthritis, digestive disorder, and diabetes mellitus have been denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure or service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and granted the reduction of the disability rating for residuals of prostate cancer from 100% to 40%. The Veteran's prostate cancer is rated as a result of its underlying condition rather than due to an in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher level aid and attendance, as he does not have loss of use of both arms or legs, blindness in both eyes, or deafness. Therefore, his claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for higher level aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of various extremities and psychiatric conditions. The claims for increased ratings are also being remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred during service due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by his diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for a sleep disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression) are denied.,The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred during service due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, Type II on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during active service in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for renal failure and the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.,There were also issues regarding DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, which were not granted due to the Veteran not meeting the requirements for continuous total disability rating.

The Veteran's atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection. The effective date for these determinations is January 14, 2015.