Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's diabetes is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure. His erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and poor circulation in his legs are all found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thyroid cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II due to potential exposure to radiation during active service. The Veteran's diabetes is also being evaluated in relation to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the condition did not originate during service and there was insufficient evidence of exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations on tinnitus, scar, dermatophytosis of the feet and crural region, PTSD, and Type-II diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to need for additional development. The claim for TDIU is also being deferred.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressor. The claims for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis and direct service connection for DM and Parkinson's disease were also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities was not addressed in the March 2015 rating decision, and he raised this issue via his July 2014 VA Form 21-526. The Board found that the NOD was timely and proper as it re-raised the issue of TDIU.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient medical evidence to link his death to any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous chemicals at Loring Air Force Base during his service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and right knee strain due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 28, 1980 for the award of service connection for PTSD on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a March 1981 rating decision. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further action.

The Board has denied service connection for thyroid problems, infertility, bilateral hearing loss, joint pain, and diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and tremors due to potential chemical exposures at Fort McClennan in 1987. The Veteran is asked to submit additional evidence and will be scheduled for an examination by a clinician to determine if his disabilities are related to the exposure.

The Veteran's left corneal scar and traumatic iridodialysis are related to an in-service injury. The Board granted service connection for these conditions, but the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left eye disability (keratoconus, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy) and his service-connected corneal scar and traumatic iridodialysis.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected prostate status post radical prostatectomy and bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims during his April 2019 Board hearing.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2. From May 5, 2006 to July 27, 2011, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus type 2. For periods after July 28, 2011, the Veteran's diabetes is rated at 20 percent. The claim of service connection for diabetic neuropathy is remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was denied an increased rating, and initial disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were also denied.,For the appeal period from August 19, 2015 forward, higher disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied reopening the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service, particularly in the Republic of Vietnam. The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus type II which may be presumed based on his exposure to Agent Orange.