Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases for its decision denying a higher disability evaluation for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension. The Veteran should be afforded a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board dismissed the appeals concerning whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen claims of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, bilateral upper neuropathy, bilateral lower neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease. The appellant's claims were denied as there was no evidence of exposure to toxic chemicals while at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease are not rated higher than the currently assigned levels.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and a heart condition have been denied as there is no direct evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The exposure basis was not established due to lack of herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, hypertension, and a chronic condition manifested by memory loss and syncope as the evidence did not establish exposure to herbicides during service or a causal relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to concerns about the impact of medication on the Veteran's ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied. The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and left knee disorder were granted based on herbicide exposure in Thailand. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes has worsened and requires a more contemporaneous VA examination to assess its severity, frequency, and duration of recognized complications.

The Board has remanded the claims for type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a skin disorder due to incomplete information and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand, which is presumed for veterans who served near the base perimeter during the Vietnam era.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and thus denying the claim.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for uterine fibroids, claimed as infertility and irregular periods due to the Veteran's withdrawal of her appeal. The other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease status-post myocardial infarction, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with multiple myeloma are all presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for most of his conditions, except for a finding that tinnitus warranted at least a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, but the Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection based on lack of in-service treatment or diagnosis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, abdominal aortic aneurysm, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, vocal cord dysfunction, bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and scars. The development includes obtaining service personnel records for the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service, as well as verifying any qualifying periods of service.,The Board also notes that the Veteran has contended that his conditions are related to hazardous exposures during his period of active duty, including exposure to jet fuel and chemicals. The AOJ should attempt to verify these claims and obtain VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy in his lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left lower extremity tarsal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of stroke is being remanded due to the inextricability with her other claims, including service connection for a heart disorder and sarcoidosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity disability, to include as secondary to service-connected LLE tarsal tunnel syndrome, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion on etiology.,The Veteran's claim for sinusitis is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the inextricability with her other claims, including service connection for a heart disorder and sarcoidosis.,The Veteran's claim for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for left shoulder rotator cuff (RTC) tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion on etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and secondary service connection for cirrhosis of the liver have been granted. Diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure, while cirrhosis of the liver is linked to the Veteran's now-service-connected diabetes mellitus.