Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened and granted, with the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents under the PACT Act.,Service connection is also granted for diabetes mellitus, but a higher rating than 40 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes insipidus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

Service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II is granted under the PACT Act.,The claims for service connection on a direct basis are remanded due to insufficient evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases of diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) periods.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions prevent him from dressing, undressing, bathing, grooming himself without assistance and requires care to protect him from daily hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service, including herbicide exposure. The Board also found that continuity of symptomatology and aggravation by pre-existing conditions were not established.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and an increased rating for asthma. The Board has found that the Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU, but remanded for further development regarding his asthma claim.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II, finding no in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found no herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and coronary artery disease as the Veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty at Fort McClellan.

The Board has granted a TDIU from September 27, 2011 to August 7, 2012 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities making it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes, type 2 and hypertension are granted as presumptively incurred due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's diabetes was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; continuity of symptomatology is not established; and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran's BLE peripheral neuropathy began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran's BUE peripheral neuropathy began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran has had bilateral CTS at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran's bilateral eye conditions began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are granted as presumptively related to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. Hypertension is also granted under the PACT Act for presumed exposure to herbicides.,Additional medical records from private providers such as Dr. Reed Ward, Dr. Allen J. Salem, and St. Luke's need to be obtained to fully assess these claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a peripheral vascular disability as secondary to herbicide exposure. Service connection was granted for hypertension under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has granted the reopening of several claims, but denied others.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII) as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or persistent symptoms that would meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including chronic B-cell leukemia and other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and kidney issues, required regular aid and attendance. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's cataracts are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,A 60 percent disability rating for diabetic retinopathy, including open angle glaucoma and atrophy of the optic nerve, is granted prior to June 17, 2022.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of diabetes to active service, as well as secondary service connection for heart condition, intestinal condition, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy based on diabetes.