Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death.

The petition to reopen the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and hypertension is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is reopened due to new evidence showing he had elevated blood pressure during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is secondary to his service-connected back condition and/or sleep apnea. The Veteran needs a new VA examination or addendum opinion to address this issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities due to inadequate development regarding exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Veteran's RUE and LUE diabetic peripheral neuropathy were evaluated based on the severity of their symptoms from November 30, 2015 to March 20, 2017. From March 21, 2017 onwards, a higher evaluation was granted for both upper extremities.,The Veteran's LLE and RLE diabetic peripheral neuropathy were evaluated based on the severity of their symptoms from November 30, 2015 to August 28, 2016. From August 29, 2016 to March 20, 2017, a higher evaluation was granted for both lower extremities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, left thumb disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are not shown to be related to his active service.,There is no evidence of a left thumb disability or peripheral neuropathy in the Veteran’s service records. The Board finds that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and dermatitis of the feet due to outstanding VA treatment records and further clarification on the extent of his service-connected dermatitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for various conditions due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran has diabetic retinopathy of his right eye and whether this condition is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide agent exposure, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if he served in or near the Republic of Vietnam where the presumption applies.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus are remanded due to a lack of verification of herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, impaired eyesight (diabetic retinopathy), peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral upper extremity are all granted service connection. However, there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Okinawa, Japan, which precludes presumptive service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied a rating for diabetes mellitus in excess of 20 percent prior to May 23, 2018 and thereafter in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and clarification, including service connection claims that are currently pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar I disorder, was previously denied but reopened due to new and material evidence. The claim is now granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss remains denied as no new or material evidence has been submitted.

The claim to reopen the previously denied service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted, and service connection is established based on exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII) prior to September 9, 2013, and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in Thailand and his current diagnosis supports this claim.