Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during her service in Thailand and granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to this exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits were granted effective September 24, 2014. The Board found that the criteria for an earlier effective date than this date have not been met.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran is precluded from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected PTSD.,The statutory requirements for SMC at the housebound rate prior to August 8, 2017 have been met.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicides or a nexus between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied as he did not meet the criteria for entitlement to these benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to asbestos exposure and herbicide exposure have been denied. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a pulmonary disorder due to asbestos exposure, while other claims are stayed pending further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction) precluded him from engaging in substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus type II, as these issues have not been fully addressed due to lack of a VA examiner's opinion regarding their etiology and whether they are aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was denied in July 2013, but no new and material evidence has been received since then.,The Veteran's nuclear sclerotic cataracts are not related to his diabetes mellitus, type II.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as it was received after one year from discharge.,Diabetic nephropathy was first diagnosed on January 2, 2013, and its effective date is denied as it was not received within a year of diagnosis.,Left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy were all granted on July 26, 2011.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, effective July 26, 2011.,SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is denied prior to July 26, 2011.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within one year after separation. The claim for hemorrhoids was denied due to lack of evidence showing its onset in service and the preponderance of evidence against aggravation by service.,Service connection for anemia was not granted because the evidence did not show its onset in service or a relationship with a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to herbicide exposure. The claims for head trauma, right hip disorder, and right thigh disorder are also being remanded as additional VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran required aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically diabetes mellitus. The appellant's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance as an accrued benefit is being remanded.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, as well as to obtain additional VA treatment records. The claims for higher ratings for DM II with cataracts, PVD of the right and left lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss are also remanded due to lack of recent evaluations. Additionally, a TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as it did not originate in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, with the presumption that it was caused by herbicide agent exposure during active duty at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.,The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide agents exposure is granted based on his credible lay statements and military personnel records indicating significant contact with the air base perimeter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and diabetes, both linked to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer on the basis of herbicide exposure during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II as it did not have its onset in service and was not related to his service-connected disabilities.