Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions was dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding PTSD, and denied all other issues due to lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II with bilateral cataracts and erectile dysfunction is rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that additional development is required to determine if the disability warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that there was no in-service incident or illness to which his present disability may be linked and that he was not exposed to herbicides during active service. The Board also found that the condition is not a presumptive disease.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for erectile dysfunction, coronary artery disease, and type II diabetes mellitus as the Veteran's representative withdrew these claims during a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and cervical spine disability are rated, with the cervical spine receiving a 20% rating effective January 30, 2020. The diabetes is rated at 20%. The cervical spine disability was previously rated at 10%, but now receives a 20% rating.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service connected.,Coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are all granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent from March 18, 2013 and continuing thereafter. The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy is granted a 30 percent rating from March 18, 2013 and continuing thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Board has ordered the development of opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's colon cancer and diabetes mellitus, as well as whether his diabetes mellitus was caused or aggravated by his colon cancer. The remand is due to conflicting medical opinions in the record.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction. The claims of service connection for aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease (previously claimed as calcific aortic stenosis with chest pain), headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions on secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The evidence did not support a finding that the current eye disabilities were related to service or to his service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the onset of diabetes mellitus type II during active service. The Veteran's representative is requesting a new VA medical opinion and further development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lung disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD), an alcohol use disorder, a kidney disability, and a heart disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology. The lung disability is presumed related to herbicide exposure. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and testicular hypofunction are secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, and/or PTSD.

The Board has found that a remand is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his in-service radiation exposure, as none of these conditions qualify for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his service-connected diabetes mellitus and its impact on his need for aid and attendance.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims at this time.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus, as they are related to herbicide agent exposure during service. Further development is needed to determine if the ship operated within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam while the Veteran was aboard.