Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, but remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy, skin disorder(s), benign paroxysmal vertigo/Meniere’s disease, adrenal gland disorder, and sleep disturbance.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for ED as secondary to diabetes, but denied it on the merits. The case is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance of another or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2 substantially or materially contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot fungus, claimed as a left big toe disability status post-surgery, is remanded. The claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes mellitus, and pancreatitis are also remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and opinion regarding their relationship to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye condition as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support the Veteran's contention that his eye condition was caused or aggravated by his diabetes, and he could still engage in sedentary employment despite his other conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, and right eye diabetic retinopathy are all found to be related to his service in Thailand where he served near the perimeter of Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, was granted. The claims for prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, right eye residuals of pterygium, left eye residuals of pterygium, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and abdominal pain were all remanded.

The Board dismissed the issue of service connection for DMII. The Veteran's left upper and lower extremity paresis, as well as hypertension, were granted or denied ratings. Service connection for PTSD was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II is dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and circulation problems of the arms and legs is being remanded due to insufficient information regarding herbicide exposure. The case will be reviewed again after these issues are resolved.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a stroke as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and the claim for DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to his military service, and the Board denied entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer are remanded due to uncertainty regarding his exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, as he has retired and does not have evidence showing his inability to work due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for muscle atrophy, a left leg disorder, and a left knee disorder have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been established for coronary artery disease as secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).,Service connection has been established for diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).,Service connection has been established for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions include coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities.

The Veteran's service records indicate he served aboard the U.S.S. Annapolis in Vietnam, but there is uncertainty about whether this included within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam. The Board has remanded to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia due to exposure to herbicide agents. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's exposure during his service in Thailand from June 1968 to September 1968.