Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating. The Board found that the evidence showed he used hypoglycemic agents and a restricted diet to manage his diabetes, without requiring insulin or regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and essential tremors is partially granted, with the case being remanded to obtain additional evidence.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is not compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for his vision disability and vertigo are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was granted. The claims for diabetes, lumbar disc disease, right shoulder arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II are being remanded due to a pre-decisional error in the VA medical opinions provided. Additional opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected psychiatric disability, left knee disabilities, or symptoms from either.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism are granted as service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service. The neck scar is also granted as secondary to the service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that it was caused by the Veteran's obesity, which was a result of his service-connected low back strain.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a heart condition, type II diabetes mellitus, and leukemia due to potential in-service toxic exposures. The AOJ is instructed to develop evidence related to these claims, including obtaining TERA examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability. The numbness of the bilateral legs is secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further evaluation. The initial ratings for bronchial asthma with bronchitis, erectile dysfunction (ED), coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, left carotid artery blockage status post endarterectomy, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), double bypass heart surgery with lower heart valve replacement, painful sternotomy scar secondary to heart surgery, hyperlipidemia, type two diabetes mellitus (DM-II), chronic sinusitis, recurrent colonic polyps, left middle finger condition, and left ring finger condition are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and an earlier effective date for a combined disability evaluation. The Veteran's current diagnosis of type II diabetes is linked to active duty service.

The Board has found that new evidence was submitted and the claims are remanded to determine if the Veteran had service in Guam, which would trigger a presumption of exposure to herbicides. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain unit records for the 821st Civil Engineering Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran's DM-II is not etiologically related to his service, including obesity as an intermediary step secondary to his other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance from February 5, 2007, to October 13, 2020, resulting in the grant of SMC A&A.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran was assigned the maximum schedular rating (100%) for prostate cancer due to service-connected conditions and is therefore denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's metastatic disease of the pelvis, spine, and proximal femur also received a maximum schedular rating (100%) throughout the appeal period, precluding any increase in disability ratings.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, was rated at 20% for the entire appeal period. The Veteran is denied an increased rating as there are no additional criteria met to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that there is no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in service and insufficient medical opinion linking his current condition to any in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's diabetes was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest within a presumptive period.

All claims for service connection related to sleep apnea, skin disability (undiagnosed illness), chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hypercholesterolemia, headache disability, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension/high blood pressure, and type II diabetes mellitus have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the failure to file a subsequent Notice of Disagreement after filing for Higher-Level Review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a potential error in determining if the Veteran's ship was within the 12 nautical miles of Vietnam on August 15, 1971. The Veteran believes this could affect his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was dismissed. The appeals for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied. The appeal for right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II and associated right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy was granted with an effective date of March 29, 2011. The earlier effective date is denied as the law does not allow it.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential exposure to herbicide agents, radioactive compounds, chemical warfare agents, and/or PCBs during active duty at Fort McClellan, Alabama.