Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD and diabetes are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no further increase in ratings possible. The Board denied the increased rating claims for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, neuropathy in various extremities, and kidney stones due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and diabetes mellitus, type II are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.,Service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is also remanded as these conditions are inextricably intertwined with diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, OSA, and DM. The Veteran's arthritis of the bilateral ankles and hips are also service connected.,Service connection was established based on aggravation of pre-existing conditions due to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, both presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during the Veteran's time at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and further development of his diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving in or near the Korean DMZ. The decision is based on a presumption of exposure due to his military duties as a courier.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease as secondary to his diabetes mellitus, type 2. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from November 24, 2014.

The claim of diabetes mellitus, type II was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. However, the case is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart medication prevents him from treating his erectile dysfunction with regard to aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, have been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence received since the October 2008 denial is new and material sufficient to warrant reopening of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims for sarcoidosis, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and hepatitis C due to inadequate consideration of medical literature submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus due to chemical exposure are remanded. The Board finds insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran served within the territorial sea of Vietnam, which could affect his presumptive service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of SMC at the 'L' rate based on the need for regular aid and attendance, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran met the criteria before December 22, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, and multiple orthopedic conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful employment for the rating period from February 14, 2014 through September 16, 2014. For the rating period from September 17, 2014 to July 17, 2017, there is no longer a case or controversy with respect to TDIU due to his receipt of a 100% combined schedular rating. For the rating period from July 18, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD does not meet the requisite rating alone to support a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to noncompliance with previous directives and for further examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD, nephropathy with hypertension, and other conditions, require the aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation at the R-1 rate.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of diabetes mellitus, left elbow disorder, and peripheral vascular disease are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.