Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection, hearing loss evaluation, and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and lung cancer are not related to his active-duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence does not support a finding of herbicide exposure in Korea during the relevant time period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with shin spots and stasis changes of both ankles, bilateral dry eye syndrome, and erectile dysfunction is denied as the criteria are not met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for non-service connected (NSC) pension benefits due to his household income exceeding the applicable maximum annual pension rates (MAPRs).

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board found that there is no medical evidence supporting a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further investigation into the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The Board also remanded the issues of peripheral neuropathy, bilateral knee disorder, and skin disability for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for dementia and diabetes mellitus due to incomplete medical records from private providers.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals from 100% to 40% was improper and has restored the original rating. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, femoral nerve (right and left) are remanded due to lack of recent VA examination. The claim for SMC based on housebound status is granted from April 7, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development regarding service connection for various conditions due to potential exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment prior to August 30, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence to determine if he needs regular aid and assistance.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to make an informed decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining outstanding medical records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, lumbosacral spine strain, ischemic heart disease, erectile dysfunction, congestive heart failure, peripheral neuropathy, and hiatal hernia, have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection is not granted as the Veteran's current disabilities are not presumed by exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as it found no evidence of a nexus between his military service and his current condition. The Board also noted that there was insufficient evidence to establish a secondary relationship with his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remands and insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for VA examinations and the need for additional medical opinions regarding various service connection claims.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type I has been rated at 20 percent since September 2017. The Board found that the condition does not warrant a higher rating as it did not require regulation of activities, including avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure and noting that the Veteran's current diagnosis is not related to his military service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's condition does not require regulation of activities due to his diabetes.