Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his diabetes mellitus and related peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which may affect his employability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and DEA benefits prior to September 23, 2013 was denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable at that time.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including back disability, neck disability, PTSD, COPD, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not show a relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and a kidney disorder as due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not establish herbicide exposure or a link between the disorders and service.

The Veteran's claims for glaucoma, ulcers, and hemorrhoids have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, a bilateral lower leg disability (including swelling), and a neck, shoulder, or upper back disability are remanded due to insufficient medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and medical opinion to determine if the diabetes mellitus and hypertension had their onset during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) or are otherwise related to ACDUTRA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of its manifestation in service or during the first post-service year. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current diagnosis and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease (previously denied as part of heart disease), bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed. The claim for diabetes mellitus type II is remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the current diagnosis. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also remanded as there is no clear opinion linking it to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeal seeking reconsideration of the June 2013 rating decision has been dismissed. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was already on appeal at the time of a May 2017 rating decision, and his PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 30%. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was granted in May 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and bilateral hearing loss, render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Board dismissed the appeals as the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and neuropathic ulcers of the toes as secondary to diabetes. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's representative withdrew all appeals, including those for service connection of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, status post left rotator cuff repair with partial tearing with degenerative changes and bursitis, sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The cases are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final rating decisions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the claims for service connection for DM, CKD, and CAD due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.,Service connection for kidney condition (including renal calculi) is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral eye condition is remanded.,Service connection for neuropathy of the right upper extremity is remanded.,Service connection for neuropathy of the left upper extremity is remanded.,Service connection for neuropathy of the right lower extremity is remanded.,Service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity is remanded.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded.,Service connection for tremors is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left knee disability, and diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent since January 23, 2014. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence did not show that his diabetes required regulation of activities or episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations.