Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and neuralgia paresthetica of the right thigh, finding that the disability did not require insulin use. The compensable complications of diabetes were also found to be non-compensable.

The Veteran's left eye blindness, due to diabetes and a stroke in June 2010, is rated at 50 percent effective from June 21, 2010. The other issues remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 23, 2017 for service connection of Type II Diabetes Mellitus and bilateral PVD. The Veteran's claim was received on that date, making earlier effective dates inapplicable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, including whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD or diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetic neuropathy do not prevent him from securing or following any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board found that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent were not met due to the lack of evidence showing regulation of activities as part of his diabetic treatment. However, the Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, type II, and ischemic heart disease have been granted due to exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand. The conditions are presumed under the law.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease is granted. A 10 percent rating is granted for bilateral hearing loss prior to February 6, 2019, and a 30 percent rating is granted from that date onwards.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to incomplete records and issues related to increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus, type II and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal disabilities are found to be the primary cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, which is granted as secondary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his conditions do not result in loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability, claimed as depression, has been withdrawn.,Service connection for hepatitis C and liver disease was denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service or secondary to another condition. New and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, but the claims for high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, Type II, heart disease, and headaches are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right upper extremity gunshot wound residuals and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 8, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and remanded the issue of foot neuropathy disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted a 40 percent rating. The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are each granted a 40 percent rating. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.