Diabetes decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and generalized arteriosclerosis with angina have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a penile condition, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery bypass graft, and initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II. The decision on these issues is pending.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes was reopened due to new evidence received since the previous denial. Service connection is granted as the Veteran has been found exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand and diabetes is presumed related to such exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a new opinion regarding whether weight gain, which may be related to his service-connected hypothyroidism, caused his diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on September 9, 2015 are granted as the treatment was rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,Service connection for diabetes secondary to service-connected back disability has been denied. The VA examiner opined that the diabetes was less likely due to or aggravated by the service-connected back condition.

The Board has determined that additional procedural development is necessary and the claims are being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; left foot disability (peripheral neuropathy); and right foot disability (peripheral neuropathy) have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions during active service or related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her so helpless as to require the need for aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis, a back disability, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and vascular condition. The claims are being returned for additional development of medical records from the Grand Island VA Medical Center.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for hypertension, shingles, and ingrown toenails. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II has been reopened and is being remanded due to a discrepancy in the STRs regarding her diagnosis during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot injury due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for other conditions are being remanded as they involve issues related to the reopening of the right foot injury claim.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure, but denied service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further development.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as clarification of SSA disability benefits.