Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the issues of service connection remain pending and will be remanded to further develop the evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking any symptoms to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, DMII, hypertension, gynecomastia, and bilateral foot peripheral neuropathy are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran died due to lung cancer and diabetes. The VA did not find evidence of negligence or lack of proper skill in diagnosing his lung cancer, which was diagnosed after two weeks of symptoms. The Board found no fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU. The remaining issues on appeal require further examination to determine the extent of his low back disability, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, with erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy, and residuals of a gunshot wound of the left hip.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 70 percent from May 15, 2013 to June 17, 2014. The Veteran's PTSD and diabetes are denied for higher ratings.

The Board has denied reopening of claims for service connection for various conditions, including aggravation of injuries from an automobile accident, diabetes mellitus, fatigue, hypertension, sleep apnea, headaches, and dizziness. The claims are remanded for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reported dizziness.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent.,The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus requires only a restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent, not requiring insulin or regulation of activities. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 20 percent based on moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is also rated at 20 percent based on moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer have been granted due to new evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand. The conditions are presumed related to this exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, but has remanded the issues of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, carotid arterial disease, left hand disability, right hand disability, and neuropathy of the lower extremities as due to herbicide exposure. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left true vocal cord paralysis with dysphonia and globus sensation has been remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and eye disorder due to additional development being required. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be affected by these pending claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical records from his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and the need to obtain additional private treatment records.

The Board has remanded several issues related to increased ratings for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision is based on a lack of VA treatment records from August 2010 forward.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of prostate cancer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, headaches, and sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus, depression, and medication use. Service connection was denied for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, colon cancer, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction.

All appeals related to the Veteran's upper extremities and tinnitus have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,The Veteran’s diabetic nephropathy with hypertension has not met the criteria for a higher rating, as it does not require regulation of activities or hospitalization.,Service connection for cervical myelopathy, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability due to brucellosis, or any other claimed conditions. The Veteran's service treatment records do not indicate he was diagnosed with these conditions during his active duty.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran’s chronic respiratory disorder (to include bronchitis) to service. The Board has also determined that there is no current disability due to diaphoresis or asymptomatic, and diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service.