Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes with bilateral lower peripheral neuropathy, both secondary to toxic herbicide exposure, are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome rating is remanded for a new examination, and the TDIU issue remains on appeal as it is inextricably intertwined with the spine disability issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient information regarding his in-service exposure to hazardous toxins and/or ionizing radiation. The RO must verify the Veteran’s claimed exposures and then readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s back disability is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's prostate cancer, status post robotic prostatectomy, results in erectile dysfunction but no other residuals, and the prostate cancer is in remission. The voiding dysfunction causes urine leakage, but it does not require the wearing of absorbent material or the use of an appliance. The condition does not cause increased urinary frequency or signs or symptoms of obstructed voiding.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction manifests as loss of erectile function, but without deformity of the penis.,The Veteran’s service-connected scars are not unstable or painful, measure less than 39 square centimeters in total area, are not associated with underlying tissue damage, and result in no functional impairments or disabling effects.,Audiometric testing establishes that the Veteran has had, at worst, level I hearing in the right ear. Audiometric testing also established that the Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss for VA purposes.,While the Veteran was exposed to acoustic trauma during active military service, he does not have a left ear hearing disability for VA purposes.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, needs further evaluation and a medical opinion is required.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately due to service-connected conditions, including asthma and depressive disorder. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and right wrist disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's representative contends there is a relationship between his sleep impairment related to PTSD and his diabetes. A new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of both conditions.

The Veteran's schizophrenia is rated at 100% from November 21, 2013. The effective date for service connection of schizophrenia is set to the date of application to reopen in November 21, 2013. TDIU was denied as his other disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their current severity, as well as whether they are related to service-connected conditions or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, are deemed insufficient to allow for a determination on his TDIU claim. The Board has ordered further medical evaluation from an occupational or vocational medicine specialist.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy have been dismissed as he requested to withdraw the issues.

The Veteran's diabetes requires insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. He is currently rated at 20 percent for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension to include as secondary to cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus to include as secondary to cardiomyopathy.,There is no direct evidence linking these conditions to active service. The Veteran's STRs do not show any instances of treatment or diagnosis related to these conditions during his military service. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to service and has been granted.,Diabetes mellitus was not present during service or within one year of separation, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it is related to service.

The Board has decided the case is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has ordered remand due to inadequate opinions regarding the service connection for diabetes, gastritis, and related conditions. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as it is related to in-service noise exposure. The claims for service connection for headaches and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), coronary artery disease, kidney disorder with hypertension, and bilateral eye disorder. These claims are now substantiated as new and material evidence was submitted.,Service connection is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange while stationed in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an effective date earlier than August 22, 2008 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims were previously denied in April 1998 and November 2003 respectively, but reopened on August 22, 2008.