Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected kidney cancer, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence supporting this claim.

The Board has remanded the cases for further review to determine if the appellant's ship was within the territorial sea of Vietnam, which could affect his claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board has remanded the case for an updated VA examination to address whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, and if so, whether they were a substantial factor in causing his diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and a heart disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development including VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective November 18, 2009. He also receives additional SMC benefits for need of aid and attendance and housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability. The effective dates for granting service connection were set at October 28, 2010.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted, and the RO is instructed to obtain relevant medical records from DoD and private providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and secondary service connection. The Veteran's heart disorder, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy are also being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to concerns about a previous VA medical opinion, and another evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's tinnitus and headaches have been granted service connection, while his vision problems are denied. The Veteran is also awarded a 50% disability rating for his service-connected headaches.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for congestive heart failure is denied.,The appeals to reopen claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, bilateral arm disability, bilateral knee disability, and back condition are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of herbicide/pesticide exposure in Fort Knox, Kentucky from October 1966 to December 1966. The AOJ is instructed to make reasonable efforts to obtain this information and provide it to the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as they have no jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded as a new examination is required.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employability, including a lack of an occupational evaluation. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional private treatment records and associate them with the record.

The Veteran's TDIU claims for the periods prior to February 1, 2017 and from December 1, 2018 were denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him incapable of employment. The claim for TDIU during the period from February 1, 2017 to December 1, 2018 was dismissed as moot due to receipt of SMC based on a combined schedular evaluation of 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran’s reported exposure to air pollution from diesel-burning stoves at Homestead AFB and environmental contaminants due to drinking and bathing in water.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pre-diabetes as it is not a disability recognized by VA.