Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for a separate compensable rating for service-connected diabetic nephropathy and for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate reasons or bases provided by the Board.

The Board has decided that the service connection for OSA as secondary to DM II should be remanded due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding possible aggravation.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for dementia, right eye disability, and diabetes mellitus was granted. The claim for service connection for dementia is based on new evidence linking the condition to exposure during active service. The claims for right eye disability and diabetes mellitus are also reopened due to new evidence suggesting a link to military service.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the August 2019 remand directives and has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease are related to his military service, including any exposure to electromagnetic radiation or chemicals/toxins.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by soft tissue sarcoma and diabetes mellitus, which are associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents. The appellant is seeking service connection for these conditions based on presumed exposure during service aboard USS Horne. The case is being remanded to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including end-stage renal disease and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since April 13, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms started within one year of his separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, but rather due to his nonservice-connected cancer.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at a 40 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the July 2019 decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is denied as there is no indication of its onset in service or a link to service.,Right elbow bursitis and left wrist arthritis are granted as the evidence supports their connection to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hyperlipidemia, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, coronary arteriosclerosis, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance for activities of daily living from August 20, 2011, to May 22, 2013. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has denied service connection for visual impairment other than diabetic retinopathy and a heart disability, finding that the evidence does not support a direct relationship to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's conditions were first diagnosed many years after separation from service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, but denies these claims due to lack of a valid diagnosis of PTSD related to active service.

The Veteran's bilateral diabetic retinopathy and nuclear cataracts associated with type II diabetes mellitus have been rated at 70 percent since June 16, 2021. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for low back and diabetes disabilities. The cases are now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus, specifically whether obesity/weight gain as a result of service-connected disabilities caused his diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to April 1, 2008. The appeals have been remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected heart and diabetes disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, so his claim for TDIU is denied.