Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and lung cancer have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for cause of death as it was fully granted in a previous rating decision. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted based on exposure to herbicide agents during offshore service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to November 13, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to service-connected PTSD is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.,Service connection for high cholesterol secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease was not rated higher than 40 percent prior to November 13, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.,Service connection for left lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.,Service connection for right lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.,Service connection for left lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.,Service connection for right lower extremity neuralgia parenthetical is remanded due to lack of an opinion on etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and Parkinson's disease due to exposure to Agent Orange while on temporary duty (TDY) orders in Korea in 1970, finding that the Veteran was exposed near the DMZ.

The Veteran's tinnitus rating is restored to 10 percent, effective May 29, 2019. The Board denied the TDIU claim as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

Your claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II has already been granted and there is no further controversy.

The Veteran's current diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be caused by exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the Air Force. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's low back disabilities, diagnosed as a lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc disease, are granted based on aggravation of a pre-existing disability.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted due to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is related to his military service. The case is being remanded for a VA addendum opinion from an endocrinologist.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her left ankle and knee disabilities, as well as service connection for DM-II and bilateral hip osteoarthritis, were denied. The effective date of the increased ratings is set to January 2014.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type 2, with erectile dysfunction and bilateral cataracts, as well as the TDIU claim due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities due to inadequate examination and failure to address severity.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the R-1 or R-2 level is remanded due to outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records. The AOJ should obtain these records and conduct further development as needed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to May 1, 2018. The rating will be reconsidered as the case remains in appellate status.

The Board has remanded several issues for issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) after new evidence was submitted without waiver of RO review. The TDIU issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and CAD were denied initial ratings higher than the currently assigned ones. The diabetes mellitus was granted a 20 percent rating from November 14, 2008 to March 3, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected nonobstructive coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus substantially or materially contributed to his death from cardiac arrest, granting entitlement to service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding that symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.