Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, is at least as likely as not proximately due to his service-connected hypertension or aggravated by (defined as any increase in disability) his hypertension or coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is at least as likely as not substantially contributing to his death from pulmonary edema. The decision grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has remanded both the cause of death and DIC claims due to potential new evidence regarding diabetes mellitus, Type 2. The Veteran's death was attributed to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis but his widow contends that he had pre-existing diabetes which contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected esophageal reflux with irritable bowel disease and diarrhea.

The Veteran's TDIU and Chapter 35 (DEA) eligibility are granted effective May 1, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities as of May 1, 2007.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the remaining claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, necrotizing pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus type II, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure in Thailand. His erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, fatty liver, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy are all found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates are being remanded due to procedural errors in the prior rating decision.

The Veteran passed away in May 2014 and had not filed any claims for VA benefits between 2003 and his death. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits was denied because there were no funds owed to the Veteran at the time of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on being permanently housebound due to a single disability rated at 100 percent and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error and potential herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's in-service duties as a helicopter combat support member are being investigated, along with possible exposure to Vietnam.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, which was caused by his service-connected exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, is considered the secondary cause of death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death and if his end stage liver disease, cirrhosis, and end stage renal disease were related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left-upper-extremity disorder, finding that it is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected right-wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that there was no evidence of its onset during active service or within one year of discharge. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a secondary service connection due to hypertension.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection. The claims for renal dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU beginning June 23, 2019, due to his service-connected disabilities. The effective date is based on the last day of his substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's duties placed him in and around the perimeter of Udorn Air Base and U-Tapao Air Base, which likely exposed him to herbicide agents including Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Maury Regional Hospital on March 18, 2015 is denied because a VA facility was feasibly available and the Veteran chose to go to a private hospital.