Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and back disorder are found to be related to service. However, the Board is unable to determine if his diabetes mellitus or hypertension were incurred in service due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's CAD was granted a 100% rating since March 8, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran became symptomatic upon exertion of 1-3 METs and had a LVEF of at least 40 to 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria, while his nonservice-connected conditions necessitate the need for aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II with ophthalmic signs to include incipient cataracts is being remanded due to the AOJ not considering recent VA examination evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for hypothyroidism, anemia, a skin disability, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), and a back disability.,The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding service connection for type II diabetes mellitus. The examiner needs to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is aggravated by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 13, 2013 for the grant of service connection for a right shoulder scar. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for his right shoulder scar was denied as there is no evidence showing that it is painful or unstable and does not cover at least 39 square centimeters.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder claim was withdrawn. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were granted, with the latter being secondary to the former.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of various disabilities due to new evidence received after a May 2015 decision. The issues include psychiatric/cognitive disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prostate disability, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as they did not meet the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, finding that the Veteran's diabetes is a proximate cause of his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 10, 2010 for service connection of diabetes and related peripheral neuropathy conditions. The Veteran was also denied ratings in excess of 20 percent for his diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves resulted in effective loss of use of his feet, which qualifies him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is also service connected as secondary to his diabetes.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to November 1, 2011. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were granted increased ratings since November 1, 2011. Service connection for left shoulder arthritis was denied.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including arthritis, diabetes mellitus, degenerative disc disease, gall bladder removal, colon cancer, kidney disability, heart disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The cases are being referred back for further examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for a gastrointestinal disorder was denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted, but service connection for tinnitus was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, finding that the conditions are proximately due to or related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities based on exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are linked to his service-connected diabetes.