Diabetes decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy was initially rated at 80% prior to July 15, 2019. From February 7, 2017, the disability is now rated at 100%. The rating change is due to laboratory findings indicating a BUN of more than 80 mg.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus type II with nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, retinopathy, and cataracts as the evidence did not show that the Veteran's diabetes required regulation of activities.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes, heart disorder, Parkinson's disease, thyroid disorder, arthritis, and sinusitis as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Veteran did not provide any medical evidence to support his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand, which is considered presumptive for diabetes mellitus type II. Therefore, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests that the Veteran provide information about his treatment providers and outstanding VA medical records. The claims will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin disorders, prostate cancer, cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, and foot disorders. The remand requires verification of exposure to pesticides or insecticides, such as DDT and Lindane, during service in Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus in a prior rating decision, rendering the appeal moot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he was not unemployable based on his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including hypertension and erectile dysfunction, are granted. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the effects of medications on the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ must obtain an addendum opinion from a medical professional addressing this issue.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II or ischemic heart disease and therefore denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 9, 2018. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is denied a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. His PTSD is rated at 50%, and the claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis disability is granted a 20% rating, effective September 8, 2014. Other service connection claims are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection was denied for a low back condition and a bilateral knee condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including IHD, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and bilateral hearing loss, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, gout, and posttraumatic stress disorder have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied as there is no additional disability in this case which is due to VA care.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney disease, and diabetes due to new evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is not presumed related to his conditions, but they are being considered on their own merits.