Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in or near the Korean DMZ during service. The issues of service connection for hypertension and bilateral neurological disability of the lower extremities are remanded as VA treatment records are needed, and an opinion is required regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the issue of whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is related to service and/or secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

Service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, effective from the date service connection was established.,An earlier effective date of April 11, 2013, is denied for PTSD as it was received on that date. An effective date of April 23, 2007, is granted for a 50 percent evaluation for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs.,Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is remanded to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities not precluding him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes was not related to his active service due to the lack of symptoms within a year of discharge. The Board finds the VA examination inadequate and remands for further evaluation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type I was rated at 40 percent from March 18, 2013 to February 1, 2019 and denied for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and diabetes mellitus type II as there was no evidence of in-service disease or injury, and the conditions did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, right eye disability, prostate hypertrophy, and neuropathy of the right hand and left foot have all been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, a kidney disability, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and glaucoma due to exposure to herbicide agents while aboard the USS Hollister.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and type II diabetes mellitus. The claims are being remanded to allow for further investigation and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance, finding that the evidence did not show an actual requirement of personal assistance from others.,The Board also denied service connection for cause of death as there was no service-connected disability at the time of the Veteran's death. The appellant's claims were not supported by evidence showing a service-connected condition or contributing to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus with onychomycosis of all the toenails and ED was denied prior to July 11, 2011. From July 11, 2011 to December 21, 2013, a 60 percent rating was granted. After that period, ratings were denied until August 30, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his exposure to toxic herbicide agents during active military service, which is presumed to have caused or contributed substantially to his death.

The Board dismissed the appeals for higher evaluations for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.,New evidence was added to reopen claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four conditions (residuals of a perforated eardrum, residuals of being electrocuted, IHD, and diabetes) have been dismissed due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and coronary artery disease (CAD), have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 20, 2013. The Board has granted TDIU from that date. However, prior to May 20, 2013, the Veteran did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is being remanded for a new examination to assess the severity of his condition, as he reported worsening symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, with the exception of tinnitus which was granted but not earlier than July 31, 2018. The other conditions were either not shown to be related to service or did not meet the criteria for service connection.