Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits was denied as the effective dates could not be established prior to April 6, 2020.,The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea, but has remanded the claims for tinnitus and high blood pressure.,Service connection is being sought for these conditions, with the exception of diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea which have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis on a presumptive basis. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, to include meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted service connection, while the appeal for restless leg syndrome is dismissed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues, including the TDIU claim prior to March 18, 2016. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet schedular criteria for a TDIU before that date.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to Type II diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to Type II diabetes mellitus due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents while serving near the Korean DMZ.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, right knee injury, and residuals of right ankle fracture.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for inflatable prosthesis as secondary to prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, and for diabetes mellitus Type II due to herbicide agent exposure. The claim of service connection for inflatable prosthesis is denied because there is no legal entitlement under the law. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II is remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 100 percent for the period prior to November 20, 2007. The cases of loss of fingernails due to diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss are remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was granted in May 2020, resulting in a total disability rating. The appellant seeks attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the May 2020 decision, but this is denied as the decision was not an appeal of a prior decision and no representation was provided after the initial decision.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, finding it presumptively related to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Service connection was not established for prostate cancer due to lack of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for VA examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects on other conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and chronic kidney disease was denied by the Board. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran required one or more daily injections of insulin, regulation of activities, or episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete compliance with prior remand instructions regarding the need for an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus caused or aggravated his legal blindness and eye conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral elbow disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral foot disabilities. The Veteran's right knee chondrocalcinosis is found to be related to his military service.,Service connection was granted for right knee chondrocalcinosis but not for left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, liver cirrhosis, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, type II diabetes mellitus (DM), and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on account of being housebound due to an incomplete record regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The cause of death claim is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that it is not related to his active-duty service and attributing the condition to obesity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, neurological disabilities of the hands, multiple myeloma, and a respiratory disorder to include asthma with chronic cough are all denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.