Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction and retinopathy with posterior subscapular cataracts is being remanded due to the need for further development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding multiple joint arthritis, including the back, bilateral hips, and bilateral knees. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the record since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case and remands are required for new VA examinations, medical opinions, and consideration of this evidence in evaluating the appellant's service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions including lumbosacral spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, Type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus and his TDIU claim are both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, as it did not require regulation of activities to manage the condition. For TDIU, the Board concluded that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease caused him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction, status post left shoulder arthroplasty, and service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome are being returned to the Board.

The Veteran's cataracts were rated at a maximum of 10 percent from June 2, 2017 to March 5, 2019. After that date, the rating was increased to 60 percent. The Board found no evidence of incapacitating episodes or visual field defect.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II, based on a finding of presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The hearing loss claim is being remanded for further development.,Service connection has been established for diabetes mellitus, type II on a direct basis due to in-service onset and current disability. Service connection has also been established for tinnitus on a direct basis due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the cases of right shoulder disability and diabetes.

The Board has jurisdiction over the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The reduction of the Veteran's back rating is remanded.

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

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his military service at Shaw Air Force Base. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus claim.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his diabetes mellitus, type II, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities do not meet or approximate criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted, while service connection for hypothyroidism is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, restrictive lung disease, right knee arthralgia, and residuals of left tibia fracture have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective February 12, 2011. The Veteran's eligibility for DEA under Chapter 35 is also granted effective February 12, 2011. The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of a total disability rating is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues regarding special monthly compensation and financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and vision/glaucoma are being reviewed.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not show the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service and there is no competent evidence linking his current diabetes to service.