Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's stroke residuals, which are associated with his service-connected diabetes mellitus, required the regular aid and attendance of another person to perform routine activities of daily living. The claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is granted.

The claim for infertility, also claimed as low sperm count, is granted. The claims for a back disability and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection of a left ankle disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is denied. A rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for residuals of right ankle subtalar dislocation with arthritis 1st metatarsophalangeal joint from May 10, 2017 onward is granted. The Veteran's entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted a 40% rating effective June 22, 2022. The ratings for the upper extremities remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have increased in severity, and the Board finds that another remand is necessary to ensure current examinations are conducted for accurate assessment of his conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao Air Force Base is presumed. Diabetes mellitus is linked to active duty service due to Agent Orange exposure, while hypertension is secondary to the now-service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities and the femoral nerve in his right and left lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and neurological conditions (claimed as nerve conditions), finding that there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for diabetes. The Board also found that these disabilities were not related to military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The Board finds that the current disability is not related to service.,The Veteran has a current left shoulder disability, but the VA examiner opined that it is most probably due to age-related degenerative joint disease (DJD). Remand necessary for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is inextricably intertwined with his left shoulder disability. Remand necessary for further examination and opinion on this issue.,The Veteran has a current headache condition, but did not report currently having them during the VA examination. Remand necessary for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran served at Camp Lejeune with presumed exposure to contaminated water. Service connection may be established on a direct basis if related to exposure. Remand necessary for VA examinations and opinions.,The Veteran has a current diabetes condition, but did not report currently having it during the VA examination. Remand necessary for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes was denied in the February 2010 Board decision. New evidence received since then is not material to reopen this claim.,Right ear tinnitus was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest within a year after discharge, nor is there continuity of symptomatology or etiological link to service. The Veteran's current right ear tinnitus is rated at 10 percent disabling under DC 7122 for arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity.,Frostbite residuals of the left and right hands have been rated at 10 percent since May 11, 2016. The Veteran's current condition includes arthralgia, numbness, and cold sensitivity with tissue loss from frostbite. A higher rating is not warranted as there are no additional symptoms such as nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, or x-ray abnormalities.

The Board has determined that the claims for a compensable disability evaluation for hemorrhoids, service connection for diabetes mellitus, and service connection for a liver condition are remanded due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to new evidence received since the previous decisions.,Sleep apnea is also being remanded as it may be related to an acquired psychiatric disability or diabetes mellitus.,Diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to potential in-service exposure to herbicide agents at Camp Lejeune.,Neuropathies are being remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiology and relationship to service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's kidney cancer rating remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for deviated septum, obstructive sleep apnea, and type II diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence on file. The VA will obtain updated medical records and schedule appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension (high blood pressure), and thyroid condition due to incomplete development of records from Reynolds Army Community Hospital and Balboa Navy Medical Center.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral foot and wrist disabilities, diabetes mellitus, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea, vision disability, limitation of flexion and extension of the knees, left knee pain, right knee pain, and lower back conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes with erectile dysfunction is not rated higher than 20 percent. The Veteran's RUE and LUE peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 20 percent, effective from February 19, 2016. Ratings for the right and left femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy remain at 20 percent. Ratings for the right and left sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy are granted at 40 percent as of September 28, 2022. The Veteran's lower extremity peripheral vascular disease is remanded.

The Veteran's lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and an examination.