Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetic retinopathy, PTSD, and lumbar spine disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent for diabetic retinopathy due to lack of incapacitating episodes under the revised criteria. For PTSD and lumbar spine disability, the Board noted that there was no evidence of at least 7 incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left eye disabilities, specifically chronic dacryocystitis, dacryocystorhinostomy, pseudophakia, and diabetic retinopathy. The VA is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a clinician to address these issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for fibromyalgia/Gulf War Syndrome, diabetes secondary to substance abuse induced insulin resistance, and ischemic heart disease (IHD) before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents, has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee condition and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is rated at 40 percent effective July 22, 2014.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches. The remaining claims are remanded and will be reconsidered with additional VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer residuals, hemorrhoids, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The Veteran also has increased ratings for his prostate cancer residuals and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, including as due to in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Board also denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities with osteomyelitis of the great toes, each including as due to in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran was granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder, effective July 15, 2015. He also received TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.,Effective August 20, 2015, the Veteran will be in receipt of TDIU on account of his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder alone.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 25, 2018 to April 17, 2019. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound, thus SMC based on aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not show moderate or severe incomplete paralysis involving sciatic nerve.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of heart disorder and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 70 percent from January 14, 2020. The Board has remanded the case for further consideration.,Prior to January 14, 2020, the Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for his right shoulder disability under Diagnostic Code 5201.

The Board has determined that the claims must be returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration, including assigning separate disability evaluations for each service-connected condition and ensuring proper application of rating criteria. The AOJ is also required to arrange for a VA examination to assess the severity and manifestations produced by each disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicide agents during service in Muenchiler, Germany.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's military service and his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic nephropathy alone rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation from October 15, 2010, forward. The combined effects of his service-connected disabilities also precluded employment from August 2, 2004, to October 14, 2010.