Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as presumptively related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam. The initial compensable rating for bladder cancer is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as the Veteran died during their pendency.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as there was no current diagnosis in the record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of March 23, 2023. The Board granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy are all granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The exposure is presumed based on herbicide agent exposure in Thailand.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his cause of death, specifically related to herbicide exposure. The claim will be reconsidered with this information.

The Veteran's CAD rating was restored to 60 percent effective October 1, 2023.,A disability rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is granted.,A disability rating higher than 20 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is denied.,A disability rating higher than 20 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is denied.

The claims for service connection for bilateral claw foot, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as general anxiety and dysthymic disorder), diabetes mellitus, type II, prostate cancer, right knee replacement, and strokes have all been dismissed.,The Veteran's right knee disability was not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral diabetic lower extremity peripheral neuropathies have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted TDIU effective October 12, 2016. He also meets the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) during that period. The Veteran is also eligible for DEA benefits effective October 12, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and migraine headaches has been remanded due to the need for additional development.,For major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent from July 8, 2020.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2. The rating for nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis remains remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board found that there was no exposure to herbicides or other chemicals during service that could be linked to the development of CAD and DM.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and low back disability due to potential service connection based on exposure to herbicides, as well as a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence being added since the last decision, and the appellant is proceeding pro se.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy of both eyes is currently rated at 40 percent from June 3, 2014. The Board has remanded the issue for further development to obtain outstanding VA medical records, reschedule an eye examination, and determine if a separate compensable rating is warranted for bilateral diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, but has remanded his claims for hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction due to potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's heart condition, caused by service-connected hypertension, is granted. The Veteran's right lower extremity neuropathy is granted a 20% rating. The Veteran's left lower extremity neuropathy prior to November 11, 2022, and as of that date, are both granted a 20% rating. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiner needs to provide a comprehensive rationale for their opinions on causation and aggravation.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, a skin and nail condition of the feet, and diabetes mellitus as they were withdrawn by the Veteran through clear written notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to March 28, 2006, for the award of service connection for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction.