Diabetes decisions — 2021

The appeal contesting the propriety of the severance of service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted, and restoration of service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted. The appeals regarding diabetes, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, erectile dysfunction (ED), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and a psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were not of such severity to render him unable to secure and follow substantial gainfully occupation, consistent with his occupational history and educational attainment prior to January 14, 2014. The Board denied the claim for a TDIU prior to January 24, 2014.

The appeals seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, hypertension, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, left hip disability, left quadricep disability, heart disability, and colon cancer have been dismissed.,The appeal seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including unspecified depressive disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, and headaches has been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and the claim for a TDIU. The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by his military service, nor is there evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service. Service-connected prostate cancer and diabetes did not cause or aggravate his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate reasons or bases provided in previous decisions regarding service connection and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's cause of death, COPD, is presumed to have been caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to September 8, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obesity, which is not a service-connected condition, acts as an intermediate step between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and his currently diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity neurological impairment results in the loss of use of both feet, qualifying him for SMC-L.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including an examination to determine if the Veteran needs aid and attendance or is housebound based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, loss of teeth, a rating in excess of 50 percent for mood disorder, DMII, and bilateral CTS due to potential overlap with other diagnosed conditions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not provided to reopen the claims. The Board found no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other hazardous toxins, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking any current conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD, diabetes mellitus type II, and malaria residuals prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since February 11, 2019. The Board grants the TDIU claim for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic kidney disease, right ear hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus, type II are denied. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is remanded.

The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy was denied for increased ratings prior to July 16, 2019 and as of that date. The current rating of 30% is upheld.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy, as well as left eye disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential exposure to Agent Orange and asbestos in service, as well as the cause of death. Additional development is needed regarding the USS Haleakala's location during the relevant time period.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they were granted in a previous rating decision. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and diabetes mellitus have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Board requested that VA obtain all outstanding records, including those from a private doctor named Dr. R., and scheduled the Veteran for VA examinations.