Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy is granted a 20 percent evaluation throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is denied any increase in rating, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7913. The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's need for aid and attendance was not solely due to his service-connected disabilities, thus denying the claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus type II. The Board found that neither condition is service-connected, thus denying the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's associated diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities is rated at 20 percent, effective April 2, 2012.,The Veteran's acquired mental disorder (paranoid schizophrenia) has been restored to a 30 percent rating from the date of his last payment, February 26, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's kidney disability, including oncocytoma and left kidney removal, is related to service-connected diabetes mellitus or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and TDIU due to outstanding private treatment records not being obtained. The AOJ is instructed to seek these records from identified physicians and obtain a medical opinion regarding the onset of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on driving.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of an appellate decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to in-service herbicide exposure, as well as the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, and the cause of death claim. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran's claimed period of temporary active duty with the Air Force and obtain any relevant personnel records. Additionally, a VA opinion is needed regarding the relationship between in-service herbicide exposure and the Veteran’s kidney disability.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a bilateral eye disorder, missing toes of the right foot, and a quarter of the left leg amputated. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy has resulted in loss of use of both buttocks and feet, warranting special monthly compensation beginning April 11, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between diabetes mellitus and service. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with additional examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's employment history and the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. The Veteran will need to provide more details about his employment, and he will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the severity of his IHD and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II and higher initial ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's death made these issues moot.

The Board dismissed the claims due to the appellant's death, as they have no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent since December 4, 2013.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy of the left eye, after finding that there is equipoise evidence supporting this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examinations.