Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's scar, residual of a shrapnel wound of the right leg, is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran’s dermatophytosis of the feet and crural region is denied an increased disability evaluation. The Veteran’s PTSD is granted a 50 percent disability rating. The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus is denied an increased disability evaluation.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. His bilateral cataracts are now rated at 40% from July 29, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and major depressive disorder, are rated at a combined 70 percent. The Board finds that these conditions render the Veteran unable to maintain regular substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes disability is rated at 20 percent prior to January 15, 2020 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Board finds that clarification of the necessity for regulation of activities due to diabetes is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which is linked to herbicide exposure during his military service, has been remanded due to pre-decisional errors and the need for further development regarding his alleged exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless or bedridden as to require regular aid and attendance, thus SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and TDIU due to deficiencies in the prior examination report, particularly regarding the potential secondary nexus between PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to potential herbicide exposure and other medical issues. The claims will be reconsidered after further investigation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for nephropathy, type II diabetes mellitus, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for more current findings.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and macular degeneration as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy were dismissed. The claim for service connection was granted with an effective date prior to April 15, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity. Service connection was granted for prostate disorder (benign prostatic hypertrophy). The claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypogonadism are remanded.,The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity. Service connection was granted for prostate disorder (benign prostatic hypertrophy). The claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypogonadism are remanded.,The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. Service connection was granted for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypogonadism are remanded.,The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity. Service connection was granted for prostate disorder (benign prostatic hypertrophy). The claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypogonadism are remanded.,The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity. Service connection was granted for prostate disorder (benign prostatic hypertrophy). The claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypogonadism are remanded.,The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity. Service connection was granted for prostate disorder (benign prostatic hypertrophy). The claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypogonadism are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Prostate Disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM) due to insufficient information in the examination reports. The examiner is required to provide an opinion regarding whether DM was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and obesity.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the July 2019 remand directive and thus the case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II and for TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hearing loss and service-connected diabetes. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.