Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DM with impotence and cataracts are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The RO must review this evidence and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and diabetes mellitus, type 2 have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at Udorn RTAFB in Thailand.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 is presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand. The Board granted service connection for this condition based on the presumption of exposure.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including hypertension, IBS, left knee disability, slurred speech, and right and left foot disabilities. Service connection is denied for diabetes mellitus, left hand disability, and lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder disability, type 2 diabetes mellitus, kidney disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and heart disability (claimed as coronary artery disease), have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or exposure to herbicide agents that would support presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for Type II diabetes mellitus was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal. The appeals for ratings in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, and left lower extremity, as well as for PTSD are remanded.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA Form 21-4142 for private medical records related to hypertension and diabetic nephropathy, obtaining VA treatment records since December 2019, and attempting to obtain a formal claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected disorders. The Veteran's representative is also requested to provide a VA Form 646 statement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, shell fragment wound residuals, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, left knee patellar tendonitis, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment as of October 1, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU rating effective from June 16, 2016.

The appeal for service connection of multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of hypertension. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are also to be evaluated in terms of their impact on his employability.

The Veteran's left eye diabetic retinopathy and bilateral cortical cataracts are service-connected. The denial of high cholesterol is based on it being a laboratory finding, not a disability.,The hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, dental condition, eye condition, and erectile dysfunction due to herbicide exposure. The decision is pending further investigation.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The reasons provided include lack of in-service injury or disease, no chronic symptoms during service, and no evidence of continuity of symptomatology post-service.,The Board also denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease based on the absence of a showing of continuous symptoms since service separation.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa, Japan and there was no evidence of chronic disease during or within one year after service. The VA examiner concluded that diabetes mellitus is less likely than not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying the Veteran's statements about temporary duty or visitation to Vietnam and investigating his service aboard the USS Constellation. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and colon cancer were denied as there was no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection on a presumptive basis could not be granted due to the lack of manifestation within one year post-service discharge.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for hearing loss was granted. Service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for right hand trigger finger as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claims for plantar fasciitis with neuromas and trigger finger of the right 3rd digit are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for type II diabetes mellitus, right hand residual injury, arthritis (to include gouty arthritis), right shoulder condition, right hand laceration scar, left and right ankle conditions, bowel condition, and hemorrhoids due to new evidence indicating they may be related to service. The Veteran's PTSD claim has been denied.