Diabetes decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type-II on an extraschedular basis only was denied. The Board found that the schedular evaluation adequately described his disability level and symptomatology.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis was also denied. The Director of Compensation Service determined that the evidence did not support the contention that any of the service-connected disabilities prevented employment.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The appellant withdrew his appeals for diabetes mellitus and heart disease, so the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure at U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand during his service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cardiovascular disease and diabetes due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examiners. The new examiner is required to consider the Veteran's reports of symptoms during service, including fatigue, and provide a discussion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the denial of his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus on an extraschedular basis under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1), prior to June 12, 2019, finding that the disability is already adequately described and contemplated by the rating criteria/schedule.

The appeal for service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed. The appeal for restoration of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea is presumed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, including as due to herbicide agent exposure, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish direct causation of the condition during service or otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for the period beginning December 25, 2007, to prior to June 12, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound criteria were both denied. The decision found that the Veteran was not in need of regular aid and assistance due to a service-connected disability, and did not meet the requirements for housebound status.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2. Additionally, the Board finds that there may be a link between herbicide exposure and hypertension, so an addendum opinion must also address this theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS and alcohol abuse in partial remission, chloracne with icepick scars not disabling, and diabetes mellitus type II were denied initially in 2009 and 2013. The effective dates of these grants of service connection are set at March 20, 2015.,The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents’ Educational Assistance prior to March 1, 2016 is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right ankle and bilateral knee osteoarthritis, did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the TDIU claim as the evidence does not support that any of the service-connected disabilities alone or in combination prevented him from obtaining employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted effective October 27, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides while stationed at Korat RTAFB in Thailand.