Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension. The decision also noted that these conditions are related to the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's migraines, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer are granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as due to exposure to herbicide agents under the PACT Act, and his bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction are also granted as secondary to this condition.,The Veteran's asthma and bronchitis claims are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ was granted. The rating assigned is 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ due to diabetes mellitus type II was granted. The rating assigned is 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for diabetic nephropathy, an earlier effective date prior to May 12, 2017 for the grant of service connection for diabetic nephropathy, and SMC based on housebound status or need for regular aid and attendance have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus due to potential secondary service connection with his service-connected sleep apnea. The Veteran submitted medical literature suggesting a link between these conditions and sleep apnea, triggering VA's duty to assist by providing an opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is granted. However, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for leukemia, diabetes, gallbladder disability, hypertension, myeloma, pressure hives, gout, and joint pain have all been denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a finding of exposure to ionizing radiation or non-ionizing radiation that could be related to these conditions.,The Veteran was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, diabetes in 2003, gallbladder disability in 1990, and had other diagnoses but no residuals at any time during the pendency of the claim. The Board found there was insufficient evidence to support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the right foot, and peripheral neuropathy of the left foot due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve the anatomical loss or use of both feet or one hand and one foot, nor do they cause him to be permanently bedridden or render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is not warranted.

The Board granted service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus as due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act, finding that while the Veteran served at U-Tapao RTAFB in Thailand, he was not exposed to herbicides on a facts found or direct basis during his service.

The Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. § 35 is denied as the effective dates are not earlier than May 2, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Korea, which may affect the outcome of these cases.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction have been withdrawn. The Board dismissed these claims as the Veteran explicitly requested their withdrawal.

The VA has decided that new evidence received after an unappealed January 2020 rating decision is relevant to the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements and medical history.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and non-small cell lung cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for basal cell carcinoma, tremors, and a left eye disability are remanded.

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