Diabetes decisions — 2022

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type 2 and tremors need further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, as well as his request for an effective date prior to August 8, 2018, for SMC based on housebound status. The criteria for a higher rating were not met in any of these cases.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II, prostate cancer, urinary bladder cancer, and erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange due to new evidence added since the March 2020 SOC.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated during active military service, and the Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, stomach disorder, and OSA have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Service connection for OSA was denied because there is no persuasive evidence that it began during service or is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the schedular criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 13, 2020. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for various diabetes-related conditions have been denied. The earliest date of receipt of the claim is February 9, 2009.,The Veteran also had a claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for chronic ischemic heart disease due to his diabetes, which was granted on March 12, 2010.

The Veteran's cause of death, adenocarcinoma of the gall bladder Stage IV, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities and diabetes mellitus, type II due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, with retinopathy of both eyes, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and skin abnormality was denied. The criteria for a higher rating were not met prior to August 25, 2021, and as of that date, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 60 percent or higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus, an effective date prior to December 6, 2014 for the grant of a 50 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus, and nonservice-connected pension have been dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received for sleep apnea, right ankle arthritis, and left ankle arthritis. The claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The remaining claims for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was denied as the condition did not manifest during a period of qualifying service or within one year thereafter and is not otherwise related to a period of qualifying service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to January 18, 2017.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on a higher level of special aid and attendance due to his need for personal health-care services provided daily in his home by licensed professionals, necessitating nursing home care if not provided.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except facial scars have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The appeal for reopening/reconsideration of facial scars is pending.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes), due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's military records confirm his presence at Camp Lejeune during relevant time periods. However, there is no medical opinion linking the diabetes to service or exposure to contaminated waters.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for DM2 and obstructive sleep apnea, finding insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus due to insufficient verification of claimed in-service exposure. The claims must be re-evaluated with new evidence.