Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and other specified trauma and stress related disorder (formerly PTSD), have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and the need for a new opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of diabetes mellitus type II and a TDIU was denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met, and the combined disability rating did not meet the threshold for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy was granted in a July 2021 rating decision, but the appeal is dismissed as moot because there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for numbness in the face (mask area) as secondary to diabetes mellitus due to lack of a current diagnosis and no causal relationship established. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his carpal tunnel syndrome claims. The diabetes mellitus claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable rating, as there is no evidence of visual impairment or incapacitating episodes due to this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in not addressing whether obesity, caused by service-connected diabetes mellitus, is a substantial factor in causing sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for sleep apnea will be reconsidered with the addition of a VA opinion.

The Veteran's diabetes is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examination and Reserve service records. The issue of service connection for diabetes will be decided on the merits.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have begun during service and has continued since then, warranting service connection.,A VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's depressive disorder.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current level of severity of any diagnosed bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus disability.,The etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and its relationship to his lumbar spine disability need to be determined through a VA examination.,The etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to his lumbar spine disability needs to be determined through a VA examination.,A VA examination is needed to determine whether the Veteran's bilateral foot disability is related to service, with consideration given to weight gain as an intermediary factor.,An appropriate VA examination is required to assess the etiology of the Veteran's right elbow disability and its relationship to his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from July 17, 2013. The service connection for bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded due to insufficient rationale in the VA opinions.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues related to his foot disability, tinnitus, DM, and associated conditions have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted due to continuous symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, Type II, was denied as the evidence did not show that he required insulin or regulation of activities.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction was remanded due to the need for an additional examination to assess whether there is any internal deformity, such as nerve damage from diabetic neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 50 percent rating is warranted due to very frequent and prolonged prostrating attacks.,For his right wrist disability, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating. The examination revealed limited range of motion with dorsiflexion being less than 15 degrees.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a right shoulder disability, and a left shoulder disability (secondary to the right shoulder).

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to his Agent Orange exposure during service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities are granted. The Board also found that the Veteran does not have a right shoulder or right hip disability related to his active-duty service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, Type II are related to his military service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange. The claims are being remanded for additional evidence.