Diabetes decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.

The Board denied service connection for non-diabetic neuropathy and chronic joint pain, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of SMC at the A&A rate effective August 17, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not rated compensably, as his current hearing levels do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for COPD due to asbestos exposure is denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure and the condition is more likely related to smoking than service.,Coronary artery disease claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure is denied, with the opinion stating that the Veteran's COPD was not caused by his service-connected asbestos-related COPD.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure is denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure and the condition is more likely related to smoking than service.,Transient ischemic attack (TIA), claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure, is denied with the opinion stating that the Veteran's COPD was not caused by his service-connected asbestos-related COPD.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 2, 2005, for service connection for DM2 and a higher initial rating were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support requiring regulation of activities due to DM2.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran's request for a hearing was withdrawn after he did not appear at his scheduled hearing.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral hip and foot disabilities, psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, hearing loss, vertigo, vision loss, hyperlipidemia, GERD, skin rashes, hand circulatory condition, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The remand requires additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral foot gout, and left foot osteoarthritis as the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is granted, effective September 18, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability) is granted, effective October 19, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension due to new evidence received since June 2016. The ankle and knee disability claims are also being remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development regarding exposure to burn pits during active service.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for open-angle glaucoma, secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension were granted under the PACT Act.,Service connection was established for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at Takhli Royal Thailand Air Force Base (RTAFB).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to in-service physical assault.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected hypertension and withdrawn his appeal for diabetes mellitus, type II. The case is being remanded to obtain Social Security Administration records.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II to include as due to exposure to herbicide agents. However, the issue of service connection prior to August 10, 2022 is remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from September 18, 2017 due to his service-connected diabetes and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and a sleep disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer, both to include as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's death certificate lists these conditions as contributory causes of his death.