Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II. Service connection was also granted for left upper extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to VA's inability to obtain certain treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU during the period prior to June 19, 2012. However, due to his combined 100% disability rating from June 19, 2012, to May 26, 2017, and October 14, 2019, TDIU is not warranted based on the schedular criteria. The Veteran's file should be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection and there was no credible evidence linking the condition to his active duty.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer, and skin cancer (melanoma) as claimed due to exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service herbicide exposure or a link between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for transient ischemic attack (TIA) was denied as there were no residuals or sequalae during the period on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied due to lack of regulation of activities and episodes of hypoglycemic reactions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral lower extremities peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicide agents. The decision is based on insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service in recognized herbicide presumptive areas and the need for a VA examination.

The rating reductions for diabetic polyneuropathy were restored, and the Veteran's service connection claims for other conditions remain pending.,A remand was ordered to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service, and thus denied claims for COPD, lung cancer, CAD, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and diabetes mellitus. The cases have been remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death is deemed to be due to a cerebrovascular accident, which was found to have been substantially or materially contributed by service-connected conditions including diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 has been dismissed as moot since the greater benefit of service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to uncertainty about the specific dates of all periods of Active Duty Training and Indefinite Non-Training Duty (ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA) in the Veteran's Reserve service. The claims will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran's asthma, diabetes mellitus, and mitral valve prolapse claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Service connection is sought for asthma, diabetes mellitus, type 1, and mitral valve prolapse. The Veteran asserts that his asthma may be related to exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base is presumed, thus his conditions are presumed to have been caused by the herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents in Korea. The Veteran must provide additional medical records, and an examination is needed to determine if he was exposed to herbicide agents during his service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and has remanded the issues of rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability, compensable rating for metacarpal repair of the right foot, service connection for hypertension, and service connection for adult onset diabetes.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for IBS, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart valve disorder, and bilateral leg pain. The claims are now remanded due to new evidence suggesting a possible link between these conditions and the Veteran's presumed exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for substantial compliance with previous remand directives, including obtaining new VA and private treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding VA examinations for heart condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition remains under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathies and coronary artery disease are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions. The VA is directed to obtain medical opinions on whether her symptoms are related to her in-service exposure to environmental contaminants.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and its secondary effects. The claims are related as they all involve diabetes mellitus as a primary condition.