Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board denied an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran's employment history and disability ratings did not warrant a TDIU prior to March 22, 2010.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were dismissed. The Board also found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding a psychiatric disorder, right knee DJD, left tibial tubercle fracture, degenerative arthritis of the spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity prior to March 22, 2021, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to potential service connection and dependency issues. The cause of death is under review, as well as dependency benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for osteopenia, but the remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and missing records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate analysis and reliance on a September 2014 VA examination. The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or herbicide exposure may be related to his diagnosed neurological disorder of the right lower extremity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's November 2017 Form 9 was timely filed, and as a result, the appeal of his claims for service connection for diabetes, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder is reinstated. The decision does not address any exposure basis or grant any rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and right ankle degenerative arthritis were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes did not require regulation of activities, while his right ankle arthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new Diagnostic Code 5271.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus Type II, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his reported in-service stressors and exposure history.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The termination of SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is also restored.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. He also receives SMC at the housebound rate and for loss of use of a creative organ, but not for need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and related neuropathy issues due to inadequate medical opinions. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, type II with peripheral neuropathy as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin disability, finding the evidence did not support exposure to herbicide agents or contaminated water during service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and ischemic heart disease are granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his time at U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his TDIU, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that his service-connected disabilities worsened prior to September 21, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death due to in-service exposure to Agent Orange, as well as his claims based on service-connected PTSD and/or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Board also found that direct service connection was not established.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional right eye disability caused by a May 2016 VA eye procedure. The Board has ordered the remand to obtain and review all records, including the full informed consent document associated with the procedure, and to provide an addendum opinion regarding potential complications and causation.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's current diagnosis and his consistent statements regarding his service at the Korat RTAFB support the presumption of exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional service personnel records and verifying any unaccounted-for periods of active duty. The Veteran's hypertension is being considered on the basis that it may have been aggravated by his service-related duties.

The appeal of a service connection claim for albuminuria is dismissed. The service connection claims for insomnia, tinnitus, anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (diabetes), bilateral knee disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), plantar fasciitis, acquired psychiatric disability, female sexual arousal disorder, and tinea pedis are referred back to the Regional Office for appropriate development and adjudication.