Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's amputation was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for cause of death due to inconsistencies in a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's TBI caused his death.

The Veteran's type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (IHD), bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction were not shown to be related to his service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection for these conditions was denied as there is no evidence of their onset during service or within one year following separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, on a basis other than the PACT Act was denied due to lack of evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and failure to meet the presumptive criteria.

The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, OSA, neurological impairment of the right lower extremity, muscle spasms of the left and right lower extremities, and dizzy spells are granted.,All related claims for service connection are remanded due to new evidence received after the October 2018 rating decision.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection due to the appellant's request to withdraw them.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are presumed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,PTSD is granted as it was caused by an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance as he is capable of attending medical appointments outside his home, does not require nursing care, and has no significant impairments that necessitate regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records from the Detroit VA Medical Center prior to 2008. The AOJ must obtain these records and ensure they are associated with the claims folder.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been granted. Additionally, the Veteran is now eligible for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning December 13, 2016.,However, the Veteran's prior request for TDIU prior to December 13, 2016 remains under review and will be remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to asbestos, Agent Orange, and other chemicals. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether diabetes mellitus type II is related to service, secondary to hypertension, or aggravated by hypertension.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the service-connected splenic infarction residuals, finding no residuals during the appeal period.

Your claims for service connection related to back disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder, left foot disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have been remanded. The Board found that the evidence is insufficient to establish a direct relationship between these conditions and your active-duty service.,The Veteran's hypertension and headaches were reopened based on new evidence showing potential links to his PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from June 6, 2011, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure history and medical opinions.

Service connection for left ear hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, and diabetes mellitus is denied.,The Veteran's psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) was granted an initial 70 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries or diseases.,There was no indication of herbicide exposure, and the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II did not manifest within one year from separation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 3, 2012. The Board has remanded the case for further development including referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for a right shoulder disorder and higher ratings for lower back strain with degenerative changes. The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus are also being remanded due to exposure to burn pits. A TDIU claim is also pending.