Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Veteran's cause of death and diabetes mellitus type II are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to December 18, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist condition, degenerative joint disease of the low back, diabetes mellitus type II, and degenerative joint disease of the shoulder as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's exposure to commercial herbicides during service and its potential impact on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for OSA and DMII. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, right shoulder dislocation, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are all rated at their current levels. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine if these conditions have worsened since the last evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to inadequate opinions provided in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection, exposure basis, and rating assignment.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential herbicide exposure in Korea. The Veteran's unit is alleged to have been near the DMZ, but further verification is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to an open medical question regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes was a contributory factor in his death, and for obtaining an opinion from an oncologist on this issue.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected physical disabilities, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 29, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, a liver condition, and a vertigo/equilibrium condition due to incomplete records from a naturopathic provider in Hawaii. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a heart disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer due to unclear exposure information. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions from the clinician who provided the June 2022 VA examination.

The Board dismissed the claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II and in excess of 30 percent prior to March 31, 2011, for coronary artery disease. The claim for TDIU was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and right ear hearing loss due to issues with the Veteran's address and inconsistencies in medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower and upper extremities diabetic neuropathy, and residuals of prostate cancer are granted as they are related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for ischemic heart condition (diagnosed as atrial fibrillation) is remanded due to insufficient rationale provided by the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from March 27, 2014 to September 1, 2014 and from January 1, 2015 to November 21, 2019. The Board granted entitlement to a TDIU on this basis.