Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal to receive a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes has been dismissed because he withdrew his appeal in February 2019.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are currently rated at 40 percent each, effective August 13, 2014.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted as of August 13, 2014.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate hypertrophy, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetic neuropathy, as well as an award of SMC at the housebound rate are denied.,An effective date prior to December 14, 2015 is not warranted for a 100% evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran did not have an active claim or appeal pending for an increased rating for PTSD on this date.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, specifically focusing on diabetes, heart disorders related to presumed herbicide exposure, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected Huntington’s disease, including atypical chorea and ataxia, is granted. Diabetes mellitus receives a 20% rating since February 9, 2011. Parkinson's disease is not service connected. The Veteran also receives TDIU.

The Board granted service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his military service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 31, 2016 was denied due to the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities not meeting the schedular requirements. The Board has now remanded this issue to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for liver disorder, hypertension, DM, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and COPD were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a link to service. The appeals for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are remanded due to the need for additional medical records, social security administration (SSA) records, and VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes on a presumptive basis, effective December 6, 2013, as the Veteran's claim was received within one year of his discharge from active duty.

The Board denied increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating from September 28, 2012 to November 20, 2019. From November 21, 2019, the Board found moderately severe incomplete paralysis and denied ratings in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran has current obstructive sleep apnea, but there is no causal relationship between his current condition and service-connected conditions or service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current diabetes to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukopenia has been denied as it is not a disability for which VA benefits can be awarded.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vision disorder other than diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and pseudophakia, to include blepharitis and dry eyes was denied. The Board also found that the criteria for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy with bilateral cataracts, pseudophakia, and left eye glaucoma prior to September 7, 2016 were not met.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employment, specifically as a production worker in an automotive vehicle engine plant from February 2006 to February 2017.

The Veteran's diabetes is currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are both rated at 20 percent each.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity are both rated at 10 percent each.,The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy is currently rated at 60 percent.

Effective September 2, 2014, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected conditions including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and vascular disease.