Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction and nephropathy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions regarding whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience starting from January 15, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of diabetic nephropathy has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a medical opinion on whether the Veteran required aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically coronary artery disease with atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, and right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathies.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction and bilateral cataracts has been dismissed due to untimely filing of a notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals in July 2022.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and posttraumatic stress disorder was reopened. Service connection is granted for hypertension and tinnitus, but diabetes mellitus and posttraumatic stress disorder are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, hypertension at 10 percent, and erectile dysfunction at noncompensable (0 percent). The diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, vitreous degeneration, and bilateral pterygium was rated at 20 percent since March 14, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus II.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.,However, the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia remains pending.

The Veteran meets the requirements for special monthly compensation based on housebound status from December 6, 2017 due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea, bilateral upper extremity polyneuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity polyneuropathy have been granted. The appeals are remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection of asthma and sleep apnea, as well as his claims for service connection of bilateral upper and lower extremity polyneuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic nephropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus disability, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's death was caused by pneumonia, with diabetes, coronary artery disease, and prostate cancer contributing to his condition. As these conditions are presumed due to herbicide exposure during service, the Board granted service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, linked to herbicide exposure, is remanded due to insufficient evidence of exposure. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it could significantly impact the diabetes claim.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, enlarged heart, respiratory disorder (obstructive sleep apnea), neurological disorder (Parkinsonism), right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all granted as due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act.,The Veteran's service connection for an enlarged heart, respiratory disorder (obstructive sleep apnea), neurological disorder (Parkinsonism), right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the causation and aggravation of diabetes by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cause of death, including diabetes mellitus type II and ischemic heart disease, are now presumed to be related to his in-service herbicide agent exposure. Therefore, the appeal for service connection for cause of death is granted.