Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and bilateral diabetic retinopathy was denied. The Board found that the criteria for a higher than 40 percent rating were not met.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected right leg cellulitis prior to June 15, 2020, and beginning June 15, 2020, are remanded. The Board found that the current severity of his cellulitis needs to be assessed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, residuals of a kidney transplant, bilateral retinopathy, and bilateral below the knee amputation have been granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding the remaining issues.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims include service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, heart condition, diabetes mellitus, skin condition, back condition, and right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations, and a new addendum opinion is needed regarding his employability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and SMC were dismissed due to his death. The appeal for respiratory disorder was also dismissed as moot.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, diabetes mellitus type II, neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and glaucoma.,Service connection was not granted for any of these conditions as there is no evidence showing they began during or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate have been granted. The issues of a higher rating for CAD and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy has been granted service connection, but the VA did not obtain his eye treatment records from VistA Imaging. The Board is remanding to ensure these records are obtained and reviewed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an effective date prior to December 21, 2015, for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, CAD, and hypothyroidism. The lung disability and sleep apnea claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 7, 2020 and a 40 percent rating thereafter for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity. The right lower extremity issue is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus caused erectile dysfunction as of March 20, 2005. The Board granted an effective date of March 20, 2005 for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted on a presumptive basis under the 2022 PACT Act. His bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or related disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (CAD), and hypertension due to herbicide agent exposure are granted. Service connection is also granted for a cerebrovascular accident secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The appeal of the reduction in disability ratings for prostate cancer and right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is dismissed as moot due to the restoration of the prior rating decisions.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, and a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetic retinopathy is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the appellant is not eligible for substitution as he did not file a valid claim or request for higher level review at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and COPD due to incomplete development, including a lack of research on potential herbicide agent exposure during his 1969 service in Korea. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional records and opinions regarding these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including verifying his exposure to herbicide agents and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) while stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and blood clots are being remanded due to the need for further research into his exposure to herbicides during active duty in Okinawa.