Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral tinnitus was granted. The claim for diabetes, which is related to toxic exposure risk activity (TERA), has been remanded.,Service connection for diabetes will be considered under both direct and presumptive service connection theories due to the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability was previously denied. The VA has not received new and material evidence to reopen the claim. Diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 10 percent prior to June 2, 2021 and 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. Other issues are either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and TDIU due to insufficient examination findings, specifically regarding whether the Veteran requires regulation of activities due to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's valve replacement surgery and its residuals, including surgical scars, are caused or aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease. The VA examiner is requested to provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and TDIU based on ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other service-connected conditions. The evidence did not support a finding that his OSA was directly related to service or secondary to any of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Korea and therefore, diabetes mellitus is presumed related to this exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disability and diabetes mellitus, type II due to inadequate examination reports. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other two issues.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction remains at 20 percent, but the TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, cervical strain, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes and hypertension, finding that there is not substantial compliance with previous remand directives. The claims are to be reconsidered in light of new evidence or clarification.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, liver cancer, rectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's lay statements indicate he was exposed to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to contaminants during service, specifically at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus type II related to these exposures.

The Board has remanded the previously denied claims for service connection due to a liberalizing law that requires VA to adjudicate these claims without needing new and material evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and a thyroid disorder due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure during active duty.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as it was granted by a May 2023 rating decision and constitutes a full grant of the benefit sought.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in service, particularly during his time in or near the Korean DMZ. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his diabetes mellitus is related to his toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy were denied increased ratings. The Veteran's diabetes was rated at 40% since July 8, 2013, and his bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy was rated at 20% from February 9, 2023.