Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and COPD are all granted. The Veteran is also granted service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the appellant's diagnosed diabetes mellitus type II. The examiner must provide a rationale for their opinions and determine if the condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II with reduced vitamin B12 absorption due to medication was denied. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction associated with his diabetes mellitus, type II was granted.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for asbestosis, but has remanded the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted initial ratings, but his request for a higher rating for PTSD has been denied. His claim for an increased rating for diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities (left and right) is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of herbicide exposure and chemical exposure in service, as well as an alternative theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's DPN of the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve in both lower extremities have been rated at 20 percent since February 2, 2010. The Board denied higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure is granted. The Board found the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at Udorn, Ubon, and Nahkom Phanom RTAFBs.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted a 50 percent disability rating, but not higher.,The Veteran’s bilateral diabetic retinopathy, preoperative cataracts, and glaucoma are remanded for further evaluation as the evidence suggests worsening of his condition since the last VA examination in April 2016.,The Veteran's need for a higher level of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes, as well as the potential connection to Agent Orange exposure. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection and increased ratings on multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, foot fungus, left shoulder disorder, restless leg syndrome, rhinitis, sinusitis, sleep disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obesity, diabetes mellitus, stroke, hypertension, and heart disability due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, a skin disorder of the right foot (cellulitis), and rhinitis due to insufficient evidence or inadequate examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus II caused or aggravated his fatal NASH. The VA examiner will need to provide an opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the Board denied both his claim for service connection for the cause of death and his DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board has denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a heart disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II due to alleged failure of VA care during the period from 2014-2015.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The condition is presumed related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 10 percent and remains unchanged. The Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran's coronary artery disease requires further examination to determine its current severity.,The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease needs to be re-evaluated due to outdated medical records. TDIU is also referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was received on May 10, 2016. The Board found no basis to grant an earlier effective date as the claim was not filed within one year of separation from active duty and there is no indication that the Veteran had previously expressed intent to file a claim.