Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for pancreatic cancer as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Veteran was granted a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) effective November 28, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable beginning February 8, 2006.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it began during active duty or is related to noise exposure.,Service connection for a neck disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service, and the Veteran's current diagnosis is attributed to natural aging process rather than in-service injury.,Service connection for hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for a right knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence showing it began during active duty or is related to noise exposure.,Service connection for left knee disability is granted with a 20% rating effective from November 14, 2016.,Service connection for lumbar spine disability is denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted with a 10% rating effective from June 11, 2018.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is denied as there is no evidence showing it began during active duty or is related to noise exposure.,Service connection for somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain is granted with a rating in excess of 70% effective from November 14, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and requests that an addendum opinion be provided regarding the baseline level of disability prior to aggravation.

An effective date of March 3, 2015, for a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted.,A 100 percent rating as of June 14, 2017, but no earlier, for CAD is granted.,An effective date of June 14, 2017, but no earlier, for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted.,A rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD for accrued benefits is denied.,A rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), with erectile dysfunction, for accrued benefits is denied.,Rating higher than 30 percent prior to August 9, 2019, and higher than 60 percent thereafter for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension for accrued benefits is denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's diabetes required only a restricted diet and insulin injections more than once per day, without requiring regulation of activities as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, chronic low back disorder, and malaria due to procedural issues and need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to jet fuel and his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The decision also grants secondary service connection for the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, multiple myeloma, and diabetes mellitus type II due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board found no direct or presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee, left knee, right shoulder, right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The appeals are currently pending due to new evidence received that may support these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and vision problems, all of which are alleged to be due to radiation exposure. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his in-service radiation exposure and refer this information to a credible source for a more detailed dose assessment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, which is claimed to be secondary to her service-connected hypertension, should be remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes), as due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service herbicide exposure and there was no medical nexus between the Veteran's diabetes and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus (DM) is denied because the evidence does not support a finding that DM was caused by or aggravated by service-connected asthma/bronchitis.,Service connection for hypertension (HTN) is denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition and no indication that it is related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during the Vietnam War.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and review of treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes and remanded the issues of increased ratings for skin condition and knee disabilities. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including medication, and for special monthly compensation based on a higher need for aid and attendance. The case is being returned to the VA for further examination and analysis.