Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Board has ordered additional examinations and requested medical records for the Veteran's sleep apnea and heart disease claims due to insufficient evidence. The high cholesterol claim is denied as there is no current disability related to high cholesterol. The diabetes mellitus claim is denied because it did not manifest within one year of separation or is unrelated to service. The Board has ordered a VA examination for the Veteran's sleep apnea and heart disease claims.

The Board dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, lower extremity PN of the sciatic and femoral nerves, chronic renal disease, and diabetic retinopathy. The Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues during a hearing before the Board.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence and need for updated examinations, as well as assistance in obtaining private medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxins at Pease Air Force Base. The claims for service connection are intertwined with the claim for diabetes, and further examination is needed after confirming exposures.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated due to insufficient information regarding his exposure to herbicide agents. The claims are therefore remanded for a request to the U.S. Department of Army, Records Management and Declassification Agency (RMDA) for verification.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in remission have been granted. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's conditions and their service, particularly exposure to cold weather.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's tinnitus is also granted as service-connected, with the Board finding continuity of symptomatology from service until present.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between her current diagnosis and active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hepatitis C, and diabetes mellitus has been granted. The decision also includes remanded issues regarding hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and a TDIU based on PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a mental health disorder, to include schizophrenia, as the evidence does not establish that it is related to active duty service.,Service connection was also denied for residuals of a motor vehicle accident (MVA) due to lack of in-service incurrence or indication of relationship to ACDUTRA service.,The Board found no current disability with respect to diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim.

Service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus has been granted.,Service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes are granted service connection due to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.,Peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as chronic urticaria, are also granted service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disorder due to a finding that the pre-existing hearing problem did not increase in severity during service.,The Board has also remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes and an eye disorder, as there is insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicides or other potential causes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and macular degeneration as they are not shown to be related to his military service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and the rating for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities prior to June 10, 2016 is granted at 40 percent and 30 percent respectively. The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are denied.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity (major) was rated at 40 percent prior to June 10, 2016, and at 30 percent for the left upper extremity. The ratings for both upper extremities were denied higher than these levels.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) was rated at 20 percent prior to December 4, 2019, and denied a higher rating. Similarly, the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) was also denied a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his atherosclerotic heart disease and other conditions were not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for further development, including potential new examinations or opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, the claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for further research and development to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service, specifically his work on C-133 and C-141 aircraft. The matter is returned to the agency of original jurisdiction.