Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial claim for diabetes mellitus type II was granted with a noncompensable rating, which was later increased to 20 percent effective December 22, 2011. The Board denied an increase in the rating and TDIU claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions aggravated his headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, prostate cancer, and ischemic heart disease (IHD), all presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents during the Vietnam era in Thailand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia, diabetes mellitus, and a paranoid type schizophrenic reaction, have resulted in permanent loss of use of both feet. The Board has established eligibility for financial assistance to purchase an automobile and adaptive equipment.

An increased rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is granted from December 6, 2011.,Service connection for a skin condition (fibromatous type changes and keloid) is granted. The Veteran's current disability includes bilateral cataracts and glaucoma secondary to diabetes mellitus.,PTSD claim dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,Bilateral hearing loss claim dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,Service connection for bilateral cataracts, bilateral glaucoma, kidney infection, bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral knee pain, bilateral ankle pain, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and lower back pain is remanded. Service connection for sciatica is also remanded.,An increased rating for diabetes mellitus secondary to cataracts and glaucoma is remanded.,Service connection for kidney infection is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral shoulder pain is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral knee pain is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral ankle pain is remanded.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is remanded.,Service connection for lower back pain is remanded.,Service connection for sciatica is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, small artery aneurysm of the left brachial artery, and left median neuropathy were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.,Specifically, the medical records showed that the Veteran had well-controlled DM with no need for insulin or dietary restrictions, which precluded a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DM), left below knee amputation associated with DM, right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy was granted on a presumptive basis based on exposure to herbicide agents. The effective date of these benefits is July 2, 2013.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied as the liberalizing law that allowed for this type of service connection became effective June 19, 2015.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, diabetic retinopathy, and tension headaches. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the acquired psychiatric disorder. The diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and upper extremities are also being remanded as they may be related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for updated examinations and additional records, including VA and private treatment records. The claims include cervical arthritis, lumbar arthritis, hepatitis C, type II diabetes mellitus (DM), a left neck scar, and SMC based on aid and attendance needs.

The Board has remanded the severance of service connection for various conditions and the determination of effective dates due to a potential OIG investigation.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease due to lack of current diagnoses in the June 2021 rating decision. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding medical records from identified physicians.

The Board has found that service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The Veteran's left hip condition, impairment of the knee (left knee condition), and heart condition are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and male reproductive organ condition due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; heart disease; low grade transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder; left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy; right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy; left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy; and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The AOJ is required to conduct development regarding herbicide agent exposure, obtain SSA records, and provide medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its associated peripheral neuropathies of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension due to exposure to herbicides. The VA will obtain medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus II due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. However, the claims are denied as there is no evidence of actual service in Vietnam or other designated areas where Agent Orange was used.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for diabetic retinopathy, diabetes mellitus type II, and TIA residuals. The issues are dismissed.