Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus type 2 and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's appeal was not timely filed in response to the February 2014 Statement of the Case, and thus has no jurisdiction over the March 2012 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for mesothelioma, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus due to additional development being required. The Veteran's exposure history is unclear, and further medical opinions are needed regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Takhli in Thailand during his military service. The decision is based on presumptive exposure and the Veteran's credible statements regarding his duties.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.,Service connection for coronary artery disease with bypass graft X and diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide agent exposure in Thailand is granted.

The Veteran's appeals to reopen claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes mellitus, and posttraumatic stress disorder were dismissed. The appeal to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for heart condition, diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), and neuroendocrine cancer as the Veteran was not shown to have these conditions during his lifetime or at the time of death. The cause of death is also denied because there were no service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his service-connected type II diabetes, specifically addressing whether the sleep apnea is aggravated by the diabetes.

The Veteran's soft tissue sarcoma and type II diabetes are presumed service-connected due to herbicide exposure at U-Tapao RTAFB. However, the peripheral neuropathy claims must be remanded as there is conflicting evidence regarding their existence and nature.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to exposure to Project SHAD test agents. The Board found that the Veteran was not involved in or exposed to test agents associated with Project SHAD.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of any condition related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, skin condition involving the crotch and scalp, and toenail fungus in the bilateral feet due to duty to assist errors. The Veteran's service records show exposure to herbicide agents during his time at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base but further verification is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened, but the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that his current diagnosis was incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of a nasal passage and thus does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder but denied secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus type II to major depressive disorder. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for menstrual disorders, also claimed as PMDD, secondary to her service-connected MDD and PTSD is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for MS is dismissed.,New evidence has been received that relates to previously unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the underlying claim for diabetes mellitus type II. The claim will be reopened, but further development is needed before a decision can be made on this issue.,The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of service-connected MDD and PTSD are remanded as less than full grants have been awarded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to her service-connected MS, MDD, and PTSD is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches secondary to her service-connected MS, MDD, and PTSD is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder dysfunction secondary to her service-connected MS, MDD, and PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's right and left eye disabilities, type II diabetes mellitus, right shoulder arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, right arm arthritis, and left arm arthritis were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was not present during service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise related to service.,The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities were not present in service or for many years thereafter and are not otherwise related to service.,The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were not present in service or for many years thereafter and are not otherwise related to service.,The Veteran has not had any right or left arm or leg disabilities, aside from the arthritis affecting his shoulders and knees, during the period of the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus due to potential exposure to hazardous toxic waste/chemical/toxins at various locations during service. The Veteran's representative requested verification of his exposure, but no such efforts were made. The case is now returned to the RO for further development.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's active service and his current condition, despite elevated glucose levels during service. The Board found that diabetes mellitus is not presumed to be related to service due to its occurrence outside the one-year presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the claims for coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and genitourinary disorder due to new evidence suggesting a possible link to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol use disorder, right total hip replacement, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities, result in his need for the aid of another to attend to needs of daily living or to avoid hazards incident to his daily environment. The Board has ordered new examinations to address this issue.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for traumatic arthritis of the spine is remanded. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to June 14, 2018 is also remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his functional impairment and ability to work.