Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is rated at 40 percent, effective October 8, 2015. Prior to January 23, 2016, the Veteran was not entitled to a TDIU due to his employment status. Effective January 23, 2016, he is now entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type I and its related peripheral neuropathies are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he already receives the maximum benefits for his service-connected conditions, including S-1 SMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions, particularly his chronic kidney disease, contributed substantially or materially to his death from intestinal perforation.

The Board denied service connection for gout, high blood pressure, a kidney condition, diabetes mellitus, and bipolar disorder as there was no competent evidence indicating these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's obesity claim is also denied due to VA policy.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and kidney disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects due to incomplete development, including missing in-service hospitalization records. The Veteran's SSA disability benefits record is also requested.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of diabetic ulcers, bilateral feet, and a left transmetatarsal amputation was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, intestinal issues, and a left foot condition due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for restoration of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria from October 1, 2017, as he did not meet the schedular and factual criteria for SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; a heart disability; and low-energy disability (CFS), as well as his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for kidney, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and respiratory conditions due to their association with a service-connected condition (lupus).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, hypertension, esophageal condition(s), diabetes mellitus, and bilateral eye condition(s) due to in-service herbicide agent exposure. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure and conduct appropriate examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's widow is seeking to be considered as a substitute claimant for the claims involving diabetes mellitus, type II with diplopia and left foot disability. The case must be remanded so that she can clarify whether she wishes to proceed on an accrued benefits basis or as a substitute claimant.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II has aggravated his obesity and contributed to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and left and right ankle strains are believed to have caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn contributed to his type II diabetes mellitus. The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum medical opinion on the issue of secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is aggravated by her service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitated the aid and attendance of another, leading to a grant of SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and hypertension as the Veteran's DMII did not require regulation of activities.