Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and the Veteran's death, requiring further medical evaluation of his diabetes mellitus type II disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU since June 3, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of personal assistance from others, and the Board has determined that he qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for an updated VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his condition.,The issue of service connection for peripheral radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to inadequate previous VA examination results.,An additional medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder, as well as whether it is aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded because there is evidence suggesting a link to military service or a service-connected disability.,A VA examination in conjunction with this claim is needed due to the Veteran's cervical spine disability possibly having been caused by his active service.,The Veteran's skin disability is being remanded for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding its etiology, given conflicting evidence from different medical professionals.,Service connection for high blood pressure is being remanded because it has not yet been adjudicated due to pending SSA benefits determination.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded as well.,Service connection for hypercholesterolemia is being remanded, with a request for additional evidence from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes and related disorders, including peripheral neuropathies, retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction, have worsened since his last examinations. The claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, and depression, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service or any service-connected disabilities.,The decision also noted that the Veteran had been overweight for several years prior to his diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service at Udorn RTAFB and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a 40 percent disability rating from September 11, 2013. The evidence showed that regulation of activities was needed due to joint stiffness and neuropathy.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, chloracne, hypertension, and depression. The cases are remanded for further development regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, migraine headaches, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete VA treatment records and missing service treatment records. Additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and congestive heart failure due to potential exposure at Fort McClellan. The AOJ must verify if the Veteran was exposed to hazardous materials, including herbicide agents, and obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the relationship between such exposures and his disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as it did not begin during service and is not causally related to service. The Veteran's current sleep apnea was found to be a separate condition from his in-service insomnia, which improved with antidepressant medication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded to obtain additional evidence, conduct medical examinations, and complete development regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all pending claims, including those related to PTSD, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer residuals, Cushing's syndrome, CAD, hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus. The claims are being remanded due to inadequate development of evidence regarding exposure to herbicides, asbestos, ionizing radiation, carbon tetrachloride, and other chemicals.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical records and need for updated examinations. The Veteran's prostate cancer is currently rated at 100% disabling, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents at Ubon RTAFB. The conditions are presumed due to their association with Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted service connection. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy in the lower and upper extremities is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for pancreatic cancer as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The cause of death is also considered due to service-connected pancreatic cancer.