Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and an incomplete addendum opinion regarding his hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension are related to exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for these conditions will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle conditions have been denied.,The Board found that the Veteran's obesity was not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral ankle conditions.

The Veteran's hepatitis A is rated at a 40 percent rating prior to January 22, 2019 and denied for any higher ratings thereafter. The Veteran also has service-connected restless leg syndrome that is secondary to his radiculopathy.,Service connection for Meniere's disease and vertigo are both remanded as the VA examiner did not adequately consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms in service and post-service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Thailand, which could impact his claims for service connection. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions including diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease as a result of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was granted a rating of 40 percent, effective June 1, 2012. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to sciatic nerve impairment has been granted ratings from June 21, 2012 to September 15, 2016 at 20%, and as of September 16, 2016 at 40%. Ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to femoral nerve impairment have been granted from November 16, 2021 at 30%.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and lumbar spine disorder were denied as they are not shown to be causally related to service or service-connected conditions.,Service connection was also denied for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities due to lack of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for right lower extremity neuropathy and left lower extremity neuropathy are remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases of COPD, diabetes mellitus type II, migraine headaches, hypertension, and a bilateral foot condition for further development. The claims are related to service connection being secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions provided were inadequate for the purpose of resolving the appealed issues. The Veteran's gout, diabetes mellitus, type II, and stroke are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Another VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity remains pending.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased rating for coronary artery disease, service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, and service connection for anemia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history prior to March 6, 2019.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, Bell's palsy, diabetes mellitus type II, left upper and lower extremity neuropathies, and right upper extremity neuropathy due to secondary service connection. The issues include depression and anxiety related to military sexual assault, as well as other mental health conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its onset within one year of active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a skin condition, including skin blistering as due to herbicide agent exposure or as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's claims for diabetic foot ulcers and calluses are also pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity disability (neuropathy and/or radiculopathy) due to unclear medical evidence regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions or herbicide exposure.