Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened, and he is now granted service connection.,His hypertension and kidney condition are denied as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has restored DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that the RO improperly severed this benefit due to procedural errors and incorrect application of the clear and unmistakable evidence standard.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and ischemic heart disease were dismissed. The claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic retinopathy (right eye) are pending.

The claims for service connection for DMII, ED, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are remanded due to the need for additional factual development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for additional development regarding where the USS John S. McCain served during the Veteran's service, as this may affect his claim of diabetes mellitus being related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type 2 are granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of diabetic retinopathy and therefore, entitlement to a separate compensable rating for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left feet prior to October 26, 2016 were denied. Beginning October 26, 2016, his evaluations were increased to 40 percent.,Service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension have been granted. The claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease contributed to his death, which was caused by respiratory failure with pneumonia and cardiopulmonary arrest. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran also sought a TDIU based on his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board found that he did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU but could not ascertain if he was unemployable due to his disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, chronic diarrhea (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome), and sleep apnea. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected schizoaffective disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and diabetes due to potential exposure to Agent Orange while aboard the USS Oriskany. Further development is needed to confirm if the ship was within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Vietnam during the relevant period.

The Board has found that additional development is needed regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicides in Korea and outstanding treatment records. A VA examination will be scheduled to clarify diagnoses and address etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, but has remanded the cases of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetic retinopathy as the Veteran does not have this condition at any time during the period of his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disability, melanoma, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities due to potential exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's service aboard USS Hancock in Vietnam territorial waters is being verified.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and remanded the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left leg/foot are remanded for further evaluation.