Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied in March 2013 due to lack of evidence of a nexus. The claim has not been reopened.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted as the Veteran served in Vietnam and exposure to herbicide agents is presumed, with no new material evidence provided.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations due to the worsening of his bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke (claimed as ischemic heart disease) are also pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and lung cancer due to service connection issues. The cause of death claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DMII, glaucoma of the left eye, bilateral tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy prior to December 19, 2017, and a rating of 60 percent thereafter.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, but further research and verification are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that he needed assistance with all activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated retinopathy are being remanded for further evaluation as the current evidence does not reflect a recent examination or treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied in October 2017, and new evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychological condition (to include anxiety and depression) is reopened. The Board finds that the newly submitted evidence raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied in October 2017, and new evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease due to herbicide agent exposure. Additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service aboard the USS Scamp.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and remanded for further development, including determining if service connection can be granted for DM and whether a seizure disorder is related to it on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma, have led to a need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance after August 31, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claim for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional research into his exposure while serving on ships in Vietnam. The TDIU appeal is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the diabetes claim.

The appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is characterized as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Service connection for PTSD is granted.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for an adjustment disorder is granted.,The appeals pertaining to service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension are remanded due to the Veteran's current symptoms being related to his military service.,The appeal for service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded as it is linked to multiple conditions, including kidney cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and related conditions prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, necessitating a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his inability to appear for VA examinations. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition due to herbicide exposure, as they are presumed based on Vietnam Service. Additional development is needed to verify if the USS Coral Sea was within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam during the Veteran's service.

The Board has remanded several claims, including increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, as well as service connection for varicose veins. The AOJ is instructed to consider additional evidence and obtain new examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to incomplete assessments and potential interconnections between conditions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.