Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for updated medical opinions regarding the service connection of hypertension, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by service-connected diabetes and/or PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lung disability, bilateral eye disability, hypertension, diabetes, and initial compensable hearing loss rating due to potential new evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his respiratory disorders, psychiatric disorder (PTSD), heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. Additional development is needed including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, Type II and Parkinson’s disease due to the need for additional medical records and clarification of the audiologist's opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for arteriosclerosis with hypertension and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7005 or 7101, and his condition does not affect his ability to work.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 4, 2015 for the combined rating of 100 percent due to service-connected disabilities and has also granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for left arm injury, residuals of right hand fracture, degenerative arthritis of the left hand, TBI, type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), bilateral eye disability and cataracts, hypertension, left foot disability, right foot disability, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and acquired psychiatric disability have all been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathies, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathies have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (claimed as paranoid schizophrenia).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's dementia is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. He is also granted SMC based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which require him to be in need of regular assistance. The Veteran is also eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and CAD, both presumed to be related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been withdrawn. His skin disorder claim is reopened, but his heart murmur and hypertension claims are denied.,His right foot disability claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence of a current disability related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition. His skin disorder claim (presumed due to exposure to smoke and burning oil from refineries in Southwest Asia) is also remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this aggravation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for clarification regarding the onset of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple myeloma, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities as secondary to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected. The diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction claims are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's urinary stress incontinence is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from his National Guard service. The claims will be reviewed with these additional records.

The Board has granted a 40% rating for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, but has remanded the case due to issues related to total disability based on individual unemployability.