Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's death was due to liver failure, but the cause of his service-connected conditions is unclear. The Board finds that remand is necessary as the VA medical opinion did not adequately address the role of diabetes and other service-connected conditions in causing the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's diabetes is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Korea, and the presumption of service connection applies.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in Panama. The Veteran's claims for various conditions are now pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's increased rating claim for diabetes mellitus type II and his service connection claim for foot arthritis and leg arthritis, to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran is required to be provided with a VA examination to assess the current severity of his diabetes mellitus and an additional opinion on whether his foot arthritis and leg arthritis are caused by or have been aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 29, 2015 and September 11, 2017 for the grant of service connection for CAD and diabetes mellitus II have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for CAD and diabetes mellitus II are remanded. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic B cell leukemia and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty service in Vietnam. The decision is based on credible testimony regarding exposure and proximity to the border.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Thailand.

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 is granted a TDIU from January 26, 2021, through July 28, 2021. From July 29, 2021, the appeal for a TDIU is dismissed as moot due to his current combined rating of 100%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various nerve disorders and diabetes mellitus have been denied. The Board has found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his conditions to his active military service, with some issues remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals to a left eye injury, diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease (IHD) (diagnosed as stroke), bilateral hearing loss, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome have all been denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure is granted. However, the claim for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is denied.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection as the Veteran died after the appeal was remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and seeking additional medical opinions to address the etiology of various conditions. The claims include service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ankle disabilities, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and active duty service, including exposure to chemicals while working as a truck driver. The June 2022 VA examination concluded there was no significant association between chemical exposures during service and the development of diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including obtaining clinical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected depression caused or aggravated his obesity and if that obesity is a substantial factor in causing his diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercholesterolemia is denied as it does not represent a disability in and of itself.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain with spondylosis prior to October 22, 2019 and hypertension are remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to in-service events.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII) and psychiatric disorder are remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to in-service events.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam during his military service is presumed and that he currently suffers from this condition. The decision also reopens the claim due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II, finding that it is secondary to obesity caused by the Veteran's already service-connected disabilities (CFS and fibromyalgia).