Diabetes decisions — 2019

The claim for service connection for low potassium is denied.,The claim for service connection for residuals, spinal tap is denied.,The claim for service connection for residuals, colon cancer is denied.,The claim for service connection for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), claimed as blood clots, groin and legs is denied.,The claim for service connection for pulmonary embolism, claimed as blood clots, lungs is denied.,The claim for service connection for nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is denied.,The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is denied.,The claim for service connection for chronic pneumonia and residuals is denied.,The claim for service connection for a heart disability, claimed as high blood pressure, multiple blocked arteries, and heart attacks is denied.,The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is denied.,The claim for service connection for gout is denied.,The claim for service connection for arthritis is denied.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected diabetes mellitus with non-proliferative retinopathy and erectile dysfunction was denied. The reduction from a 40 percent to a 20 percent rating effective May 3, 2017 was upheld.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, sleep apnea, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, PTSD, and depressive disorder. The criteria for a higher rating were not met in any of these cases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete records requests. The Veteran is asked to identify all facilities where he was hospitalized during service, and any outstanding in-patient service treatment records are requested specifically for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The diabetes mellitus claim was denied as the evidence did not show that it required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The coronary artery disease claim was denied due to lack of episodes of congestive heart failure or workload exceeding 3 METs resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. Diabetic neuropathy claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were dismissed due to withdrawals by the Veteran or his representative. The appeal for secondary service connection for GERD was also dismissed.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease due to lack of evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as he has an associate degree and prior work experience. The Board finds that the Veteran is able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's application for S-DVI was denied due to his service-connected disabilities and non-service-connected conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records, ensure compliance with VA underwriting requirements, and reassess the numerical rating.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and frequent urination and leakage as secondary to the now service-connected diabetes mellitus. The decision is based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision. TDIU is granted beginning December 30, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened, and the appeal is granted to this extent. The appeals for service connection for acoustic neuroma, left eye disorder, balance disorder, diabetes mellitus, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disorder are all remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, due to herbicide agent exposure at Fort McClellan, is remanded as there are insufficient records to confirm the claimed exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to potential inextricability. The underlying claim for diabetes is being considered again.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMT2) and bilateral flat feet secondary to DMT2 due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during or causation by active duty service.

The Veteran claims compensation for diabetic retinopathy, claimed as retinal damage, in her left eye due to VA surgery and follow-up care. The Board has ordered additional evidence and a medical opinion on the issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates were denied as there was no formal or informal claim submitted prior to October 27, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his active duty in Vietnam is presumed and he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 is presumed service-connected due to herbicide exposure. His hypertension and hearing loss are considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The tinnitus is also considered secondary to the service-connected hearing loss.