Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus II, prostate disability (including prostate cancer), essential hypertension, ocular hypertension, kidney disease, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or any other event, injury, or disease related to the Veteran's claimed conditions.,The Board concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his claims are based on direct service connection and not on presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus II, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are all granted as related to exposure to firefighting foam during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective September 13, 2019. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), and Parkinson's Disease have been denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service stressors or herbicide exposure.,There is no indication that the Veteran served outside the United States, specifically in Germany where he claimed his PTSD stressor occurred.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings are denied.,The Board has remanded several issues including the rating of prostate cancer residuals, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II are granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's application for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) was remanded due to a lack of caregiver training and an inability to complete assessments within 90 days. The claim is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities and degenerative arthritis of the spine are remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records.,The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II is remanded as there were no recent private medical records submitted.,The Veteran's claim for degenerative arthritis of the hands, with ununited fracture ulnar styloid on the right, is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records.,The Veteran's claim for gout, bilateral great toe MTP joint, is remanded as there were no recent private medical records submitted.,The Veteran's claim for left ankle insertional Achilles tendinopathy with gout is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion on the part of the VA examiner.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is remanded as there was no current diagnosis in the October 2021 VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for nummular eczema is remanded due to an inadequate nexus opinion based on the absence of a presumptive condition list.,The Veteran's claim for prostate condition is remanded due to an inadequate nexus opinion based on the absence of a presumptive condition list.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to a duty-to-assist error in not obtaining SSA records and an inadequate VA examination regarding chemical or environmental toxin exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily type 2 diabetes mellitus and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of June 1, 2015 for the grant of a TDIU and basic eligibility to DEA benefits. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected status post esophageal surgery with dysphagia and residual scar associated with peptic ulcer disease, along with type II diabetes mellitus, rendered him unable to maintain gainful employment. The Board granted SMC based on housebound status beginning September 30, 2014.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetic nephropathy was reduced from 80% to 60%, effective October 15, 2019. The claim for a higher initial rating remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities, a vestibular disorder, and diabetes mellitus, Type II. The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II is remanded.

The Veteran's Diabetes Mellitus, Type II is related to service due to herbicide exposure and significantly contributed to his death. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Okinawa, Japan. The Veteran claims his diabetes is related to this exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted.,The Veteran is entitled to service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, skin condition, lung and/or breathing condition, left knee injury, right knee injury, cardiovascular problems (formerly claimed as heart problems), and diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus from October 2, 2013 is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as left ulnar neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, vascular disorders of the lower extremities, and special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status. The claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetic foot disease and neck disability due to incomplete development of records and inadequate opinion regarding service connection.