Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus II with erectile dysfunction was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show the need for insulin, and therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II due to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) as the VA failed to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure at Fort McClellan. The case will be referred for a formal finding that sufficient information required to verify herbicide agent exposure does not exist.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded his service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, type II. The appeal is currently pending due to a need for further verification of herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus. The claims for glaucoma, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), right shoulder disability, and left femur disability are remanded due to the need for further examination and development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II has been reopened and granted. However, the claim remains denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected somatic symptom disorder aggravated his Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM II), causing him to require a cholecystectomy and resulting in hepatic steatosis.,Service connection is granted for residual symptoms of a cholecystectomy and hepatic steatosis on secondary bases due to the Veteran's DM II.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding both hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II. The hypertension issue is being considered on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure, while the diabetes mellitus type II issue requires additional examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cerebrovascular accident (CVA) residuals, left leg disability, left arm disability, and diabetes mellitus due to incomplete medical opinions and potential exposure to toxic substances during service. The VA is required to obtain additional opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in any extremity, and therefore service connection for right upper extremity, left upper extremity, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so both claims for service connection are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes due to exposure to environmental contaminants at Fort McClellan, Alabama is being remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes, hypertension, and residuals of stroke have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,A VA examination is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes. The examiner should consider the Veteran's reports of experiencing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for further review of the Veteran's exposure history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, and heart disorder are not service-connected as they were not caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for OSA, a heart disorder, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, diabetic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's claims are not supported by the evidence.,Service connection is denied for all conditions listed above.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure history.

The Veteran's low back condition and hypertension are granted service connection, while DMII requires additional evidence. The case is remanded for further action regarding DMII.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral nuclear sclerosis (cataracts). The appeals for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral eye disability (excluding cataracts), coronary artery disease, and hypertension are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service connection for Type 2 diabetes mellitus is granted due to exposure in the Korean DMZ, which qualifies under the presumptive service connection criteria.