Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that it is not at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with schizoaffective disorder. The evidence did not show obesity due to medications and there was no direct or presumptive service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a stroke, scar tissue of the left eye, and an eye disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Board also noted discrepancies in the Veteran’s testimony regarding his current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II was dismissed because the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his functional impairments due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, nerve damage of the low back, type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction have all been denied. The claim for residuals of stroke (balance problems) has not been reopened.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence linking any current disabilities to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Type II Diabetes Mellitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral foot skin rash, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted.,Service connection has also been granted for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and left lower leg disability are stayed. The claim for a left knee disability is remanded due to need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for arthritis in the upper extremities and elevated cholesterol. The claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is less likely than not directly related to service or caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus claimed as the result of herbicide agent exposure. The issues of service connection for other conditions are remanded due to inextricability with the reopened issue.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's depression is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for DM II, Parkinson’s disease, and hypertension are granted. The right knee disability claim is remanded for further examination. TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being submitted, including VA treatment records and examination reports. The Veteran is asked to provide information about any additional healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service, specifically in Thailand. The AOJ is instructed to contact the JSRRC for further verification.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records that have not yet been associated with the claims file.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 22, 2016 onward. The decision is based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions due to outstanding records and additional development needed, including verification of stressors and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy), and bilateral hearing loss are being reviewed.