Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain a new VA examination for the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and to conduct additional development regarding his intertwined claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, a left ankle disability, and diabetes mellitus type II due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran was previously notified of his obligation to cooperate in the development process.

The Veteran's claim for left eye vision loss is denied. The Board granted separate 10% ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities from December 28, 2016. However, the claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and TDIU are all denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII), due to exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa. The Board finds remand necessary to determine if herbicide agents were stored or used on any U.S. military facility in Okinawa.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, periods of sudden loss of consciousness, and neck disability due to potential service connection based on exposure to environmental toxins during active duty.

The Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral leg disorder were not granted service connection. The eye disorder was granted service connection as it is related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are now considered.,New evidence has been submitted that suggests a link between the Veteran's duodenal ulcer, hypertension, DM II, anxiety and depression, hemorrhoids, and sinus disability.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and laryngeal cancer as due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and Parkinson's disease due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Type II diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the inadequate examination provided in July 2015. The examiner did not provide an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, TDIU, and SMC based on aid and attendance due to insufficient development of private treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to herbicide agents, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disability secondary to service-connected lumbar strain.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new evidence received since the last denial. Service connection is granted, but a compensable rating for hypertension remains denied. The issue of secondary service connection for DM II due to hypertension is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including service connection for his heart disorder, skin rash on hands, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD). The appeal will be remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus was dismissed. The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was granted, and his claim for hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's heart disability and diabetes mellitus were denied service connection as they did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking them to service.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of heart disease and diabetes mellitus are not related to his military service. The Board found that the conditions predated his service and were not caused by any in-service events.

The Board has withdrawn the issues of service connection for chloracne, effective date prior to February 28, 2013, for a 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus, and increased ratings for erectile dysfunction (ED), coronary artery disease (CAD) with myocardial infarction (MI) and status post coronary bypass surgery, acne vulgaris with scarring, and DM. The issues of initial compensable ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity (LUE), right (major) upper extremity (RUE), left (minor) lower extremity (LLE), and right lower extremity (RLE) have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, hypertension, and retinopathy, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus prevents him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment as a commercial truck driver, due to the need for insulin.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and Type II diabetes mellitus due to potential herbicide exposure in Korea. The AOJ needs to verify if 'spray zones' existed or herbicides were stored/used during the Veteran's service.