Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and a lumbar spine disability due to inadequate development. The Veteran's skin condition is also being remanded for an examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for right eye diabetic retinopathy prior to October 25, 2017, and bilateral diabetic retinopathy from that date is denied.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to his service aboard the USS Tawasa, which qualifies as service in Vietnam. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy of the left eye are related to herbicide exposure during service. However, due to insufficient nexus opinions provided by VA examiners, a remand is required for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from his National Guard and Army Reserve periods of service. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a medical opinion from a VA pharmacologist and/or gerontologist to determine if the Veteran's medications contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of the current severity of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease (carotid artery disease), and erectile dysfunction.

Service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection of peripheral neuropathy and GERD are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral cortical sclerotic cataracts, +2 white (previously rated under Diagnostic Code 7913) associated with type II diabetes mellitus are currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected aphasia and stroke residuals are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the severity of these conditions, including any related symptoms such as difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, and salivation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to additional evidence and procedural issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether the service-connected diabetes, PTSD, and/or medications for either are at least as likely as not (50 percent or more probability) the cause or aggravation of the veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to incomplete records, including personnel records and treatment records. The Veteran was not notified of missing records or given an opportunity to respond.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether any service-connected disability was the immediate or underlying cause of death, and if so, whether it contributed substantially or materially to the cause of death. The examiner is requested to address ischemic heart disease and its relationship to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as there is no evidence of a pre-existing condition and the current condition did not manifest within one year of separation from service. The Board also found that there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's in-service symptoms and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service records and the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The cause of death is being considered as related to military service.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board found that his diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II to include as secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been rated at 20 percent since January 2009. The Board denied an increased rating as the condition does not require insulin or regulation of activities.