Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar strain (lumbar spine disability) and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure.,The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure.

Service connection is granted for type II diabetes mellitus and kidney disability, but denied for bilateral upper and lower extremity pain and discomfort as well as vision disability. The issues of service connection for the upper and lower extremities are remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has remanded the claim for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn may be a factor in causing his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent since the beginning of the appeal period. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher evaluation for this condition.,For diabetes mellitus type 2, the Veteran was previously assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation and is now receiving a 40 percent evaluation effective January 25, 2021. However, prior to that date, his condition warranted a lower rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of unit history and Department of Defense letter regarding herbicide exposure in Korea. The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is being reviewed again with these additional records.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and obesity, which are linked by medical evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus due to withdrawal of the appeal. The skin disability claim is remanded as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, effective February 5, 2015. The rating for diabetic retinopathy with bilateral cataracts and glaucoma was increased to 20 percent from October 2, 2017 onwards.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II as secondary to his service-connected hypertension and/or coronary artery disease (CAD) with congestive heart failure (CHF) is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and for obtaining updated medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange. The issue of service connection for an eye disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for the period of January 12, 2012 to August 9, 2012.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, and his diabetes mellitus type 2 is granted on a presumptive basis due to Agent Orange exposure. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities and their relation to his military service, particularly exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board denied entitlement to DIC benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, initially manifested during his active duty and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Korea and therefore meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gum disease secondary to diabetes mellitus and granted a TDIU. The Board found insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and his diagnosed gum disease.