Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Veteran's disability rating for a heart disorder was restored from 60% to 30%, effective August 8, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, thus restoring the original rating.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to a lack of medical records supporting a diagnosis during service and insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development and review.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is being reviewed to determine if it is secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability (Chronic Adjustment Disorder).,The matter of whether the Veteran's Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (manifesting as memory loss) is secondary to his newly service-connected psychiatric disability will be submitted for review.,The Board has remanded several claims related to sleep apnea and its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia and surgical scar.,Several skin disorder claims are being reviewed, including whether they are secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is also being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,Several other claims are being remanded, including those related to sleep apnea, memory loss, skin disorders, heart disorder, sinus disorder, left shoulder disorder, gout, knee disorder, leg disorder, visual disorder, prostate disorder, foot disorder, and thyroid disorder.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted from February 7, 2014, as he had a combined rating of 60% for his service-connected disabilities. The decision acknowledges that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected low back disability and associated radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. As such, service connection for hypertension may be granted on this basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, both claimed as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure. The issues are being remanded due to a failure to provide adequate reasons and bases, specifically regarding the duty to assist.

DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied, and the case is remanded for further evaluation of service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in the Republic of Vietnam. The claim for secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction is reopened and remanded as new evidence suggests a possible link between the Veteran's diabetes and his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service connected due to herbicide agent exposure in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and heart disease, as they are related to his service-connected hypertension. Additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all claims.

The Board has granted service connection for post-surgical cataracts on a secondary basis to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on this finding.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability are not service-connected as they did not have their onset during or within one year after service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred in service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for low blood sugar due to exposure to herbicide agents, as the Veteran contends that he developed diabetes mellitus and thus presumptive service connection is warranted. The appeal was returned prior to completion of the requested VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II, as they are not related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

All claims for service connection related to diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a schedular TDIU due to service-connected diabetes mellitus, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and posttraumatic stress disorder is granted from September 24, 2019. The Board also remanded the issue of an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.