Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for thoracic muscle sprain with degenerative disc disease and service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board's decision denied reopening of claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cause of death. The denial was vacated due to the failure to respond to a request for an extension of time.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an in-person VA examination for diabetes mellitus type II, and the need for a medical opinion on whether it is secondary to service-connected hypertension.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), a lumbar spine disability, a respiratory disability, diabetes mellitus, type II, and an eye disability are not supported by the evidence. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, finding that the veteran's exposure to herbicide agents at Fort McClellan is related to his conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and heart disease were not incurred during service.,His degenerative neck disease did not manifest in or shortly after service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left shoulder disability, diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, tinnitus, and ischemic heart disease all had their respective ratings either denied or not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's diabetes, right and left lower extremity neuropathies, hypertension, and malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are being remanded due to potential herbicide agent exposure during service. The Board will seek verification of the Veteran's reported exposure at Kadena Air Base or refueling stops in Guam.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted for the period starting August 10, 2022, due to presumed exposure under the PACT Act. Prior to this date, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest, with DM as a contributing condition. Service connection for the cause of death is granted due to herbicide exposure. Accrued benefits and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy (left and right lower extremities) is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to PTSD, left knee injury, diabetes, bilateral cataracts, hearing loss, COPD, pneumonia, skin condition, and TBI. The appeal is dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted from August 10, 2022. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II prior to that date is denied. The Veteran's hepatitis B is not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2, finding that the evidence did not show that it required one or more daily insulin injections or regulation of activities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease during active duty or training periods. The Veteran's belief about developing pre-diabetes during ACDUTRA did not meet the criteria for a disability arising during service.

The Veteran's SMC claim for aid and attendance is granted. The diabetes rating appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete development and the need for VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, specifically related to his exposure to commercial pesticides during military service.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted, with effective dates prior to June 23, 2021, and effective from June 23, 2021, respectively.,A separate rating of 40 percent has also been assigned for each lower extremity since June 23, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes, neuropathy, psoriatic arthritis, anxiety, right shoulder condition, and sleep apnea due to duty-to-assist errors. The RO is instructed to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion regarding possible exposure to chemicals during service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to August 10, 2022, for service connection were denied as there was no legal basis available due to the finality of previous denials and the liberalizing nature of the PACT Act.