Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's right upper extremity weakness is rated at 50% disabling, and his right lower extremity weakness is rated at 80%. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. His diabetic nephropathy remains at 30%.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and benefits were denied. The right lower extremity below the knee amputation is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5165.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his stump scar was also denied.

Service connection for adult onset diabetes mellitus (ACE) is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,Service connection for right shoulder arthritis is granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current condition was related to service, specifically a football injury during active duty and subsequent treatment in service.,Service connection for left knee disability is denied. The Board concluded there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service or any nexus between the current condition and service-connected conditions.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted based on its manifestation in service and after separation from service.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced ringing in his ears since separation from service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus have been granted. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The appellant is still entitled to consider presumptive service connection if further development confirms exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand and finds it at least as likely as not that he developed diabetes mellitus, type II due to this exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 28, 2005. TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II secondary to service-connected PTSD due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, hearing loss, hypertension, and diabetic cataracts due to insufficient evidence or further clarification from VA. The appeals are not about service connection but rather rating determinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure or a link to his active duty service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and hypertension all secondary to PTSD due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for glaucoma, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and sensory fiber neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The appeals are now remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's work duties were not clearly documented as placing him near the perimeter of Udorn Air Force Base.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II (DM) due to their secondary nature to his service-connected psychiatric disorder and/or lumbar and cervical spine disorders with upper and lower radiculopathy. The VA examinations were inadequate in addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person (SMC-AA) or at the housebound rate is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a right knee condition, as well as his TDIU claim, were all denied by the Board. The denial is based on insufficient evidence to establish service connection or entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for diabetes and Lichen Simplex Chronicus, as well as the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities because the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II due to insufficient evidence linking the two conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of diabetic nephropathy has been denied as there is no current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits prior to November 13, 2015 have also been denied.