Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased rating for diabetes and service connection for dental conditions and a skin condition. The VA examinations were inadequate, and additional records are required to determine the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's diabetes, as well as the nature and etiology of his dental and skin conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of depressive disorder, diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities affecting the sciatic and femoral nerves have been denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations in September 2023.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU has also been denied as it is dependent on the claims for increased ratings which were denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a penile disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, and TMJ dysfunction. The appeals are remanded for additional development regarding COPD, right lung removal, and a headache disorder.,SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is denied as there is no service-connected disability related to the Veteran's condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes as secondary to the Veteran's claimed psychiatric condition due to a lack of verification of his reported service in Panama.

The appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM), a kidney disorder, vision disorder, and neuropathy secondary to DM have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, left arm skin cancer, right arm skin cancer, and hand tremors due to outstanding treatment records and a need for an etiology opinion.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for a right knee condition due to its grant in full. Service connection is granted for diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The issue of service connection for gout is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during his service and thus no presumption of exposure applies. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to be related to his military service due to the PACT Act.

The Veteran's right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is now rated at 50 percent effective May 11, 2021.,The Veteran's left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is now rated at 40 percent effective May 11, 2021.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tonsillitis. The claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and pharyngitis are remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, finding that further development is needed to address the interplay between his service-connected conditions and his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as a result of presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The low back disorder, PTSD, enlarged prostate condition, and bladder condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II (DM II). The remand requires consideration of total potential exposure and synergistic effects from all toxic exposure risk activities, including ionizing radiation. Additionally, it asks whether the elevated glucose readings in service can be considered the initial clinical onset of DM II.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II required only a restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent during the appeal period, resulting in a 20 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a causal link between the conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral open angle glaucoma is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The case needs further development with a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including considering potential exposure to toxic substances and addressing the relationship between his current conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has ordered another remand due to incomplete information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and a new asbestos exposure claim by the Veteran's representative. The VA is required to provide an examination for TERA involving potential asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection, including those related to diabetes and hypertension. The records from the private medical provider Dr. Brookenthal at Advocate Medical Sykes are needed to fully evaluate these claims.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to clarify his service dates and toxic exposure.