Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension are remanded due to inadequate development. The Board directed the VA to obtain a new examination for both conditions, as well as addendum opinions addressing the etiology of hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for type II diabetes mellitus was denied, but his service connection claim for primary myelofibrosis was granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes. Service connection was denied for Bell's palsy due to lack of evidence linking it to VA treatment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded as new and material evidence has been received. The AOJ needs to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure during his time at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 1, 2019 is dismissed because he did not provide the necessary information in his VA Form 21-8940 application.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal, respiratory, psychiatric, hearing loss and tinnitus, lumbar spine, shoulder, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, is remanded due to a need for further development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure to herbicides and a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange while stationed in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability (CAD) and diabetes mellitus, type II. The evidence did not establish an etiological relationship between the disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II; left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve); and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction is denied. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, satisfied with the disability ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The reduction in rating for diabetes mellitus from 40 to 20 percent, effective January 1, 2018, was proper. Service connection has been established for PTSD, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathies of the sciatic and femoral nerves, prostate cancer residuals, right knee disability, left knee disability, and service-connected conditions that have not resulted in a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and the need to locate additional medical records from his Air Force Reserve service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, due to the need for clarification regarding herbicide exposure at U-Tapao Airfield in Thailand.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease due to his death during the appeal process.