Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); stroke residuals; seizure disorder; and defective vision due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and a need for further development.

The Board denied a separate compensable rating for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's diastolic pressure has not been predominantly 100 or more and systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,For peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, the Veteran's claims were also denied as there was no credible or probative evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board denied effective dates prior to January 15, 2014 for the awards of service connection for various diabetic conditions and end stage renal disease due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder, diabetes mellitus type II, and neurogenic bladder to allow for further development. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and kidney cysts (cystic kidney disease), finding no current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type 2, and noting that the Veteran's kidney cysts are a congenital defect with no superimposed pathology due to disease or injury in service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 22, 2013 was denied as there is no evidence that the disability rendered him unemployable.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for DEA benefits prior to August 22, 2013 was also denied due to lack of a permanent total service-connected disability.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's DIC claim under U.S.C. §1318 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for continuous total disability.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The decision found that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure basis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is also eligible for special monthly compensation due to his disabilities. The TDIU was granted effective from December 2, 2011, and the SMC housebound was granted effective from August 1, 2017.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder, and any kidney disorder are remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, direct service connection for right-knee disorder, and service connection for hypertensive heart disease as a result of exposure to an herbicide agent are all remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II is denied, and service connection for retinopathy secondary to DMII is denied. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy secondary to DMII is remanded, and TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, prostate gland injury status post cancer residuals, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral lower extremity conditions, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy due to untimely filing of a VA Form 10182 Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective December 29, 2022.,The Veteran's left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, effective December 29, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder diagnosed as major depressive disorder have been granted. The criteria are met for entitlement to service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in Korea during service.

The Veteran's TDIU rating for PTSD was granted effective September 1, 2011. His increased diabetes rating is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate disability, colon disability, and malaria residuals. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as whether they are related to his military service.