Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, right chest wall and right thigh lipoma, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder and/or posttraumatic stress disorder due to his in-service injuries. The claims are being remanded to obtain relevant medical records, confirm the Veteran's in-service injury, and schedule VA examinations.

The Board has determined that there was a procedural error in recognizing the Veteran's VA Form 10182 and placing his appeal on the AMA system. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right foot, and peripheral neuropathy of the left foot are remanded to allow the Veteran to file a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) in the legacy VA system.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction for consideration of additional evidence. His claims for service connection and increased ratings are pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as due to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange).,Service connection for diabetic neuropathy affecting the bilateral upper and lower extremities is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.,Diabetic retinopathy has not been shown by evidence of record.,The Veteran's tremors are presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents, asbestos, and contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The claims will be reviewed again with proper development of evidence.

The Veteran's urinary frequency, a complication of his diabetes, is granted a separate compensable rating. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II, with diabetic retinopathy and erectile dysfunction is remanded due to the need for additional examination or evidence.

The Veteran's DM2 with diabetic retinopathy is rated at 20 percent, and the separate compensable rating for diabetic neuropathy is denied.,For the period prior to November 13, 2012, the Veteran's neuropathy of the right lower extremity warrants a 40 percent disability rating under DC 8520, and his neuropathy of the left lower extremity warrants an 80 percent disability rating under DC 8520. The Veteran's neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity are not service-connected.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to service-connected ischemic heart disease and diabetes, which are presumed related to his service. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death under the PACT Act. However, the DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were denied as the Veteran was not in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation at the time of death.

The Veteran's skin disability, claimed as melanomas, is remanded due to lack of evidence during the appeal period.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and below-the-knee amputation of the right leg are both remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's cerebral vascular accident is granted as service-connected, and the issues of hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension due to potential exposure to contaminants during service. The Veteran's diagnoses of these conditions are confirmed, but further investigation into his alleged exposure is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) as due to presumed herbicide exposure and for bilateral diabetic retinopathy as secondary to the service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, including right knee, left knee, bilateral hand and back disabilities. The VA will conduct further examinations and obtain medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in duty-to-assist and service connection, including a need for additional medical opinions regarding radiation exposure and diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, including as secondary to PTSD. The claims for an ulcer condition and colonic diverticulosis are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The issues of service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as a bilateral eye disability (retinopathy and glaucoma), are remanded.

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, finding that it only required insulin injections and a restricted diet without requiring regulation of activities.

The Veteran's appeals for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for cataracts and diabetes mellitus have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.