Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Veteran's death was caused by myelodysplastic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and severe neutropenia, all of which are service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted with an effective date of December 22, 2022. Additionally, the Veteran received a Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) award for loss of a creative organ on the same day.,Both the grant of service connection and SMC were effective from December 22, 2022.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating as his condition did not require daily insulin injections or dietary restrictions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and various types of peripheral neuropathy, were granted. The Veteran was also awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, and entitlement to an earlier effective date for the grant of eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete VA opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and its relationship to his service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a recurrent lumbar spine disability due to exposure to Persian Gulf War environmental hazards including burn pits. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant service records and private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient information regarding the appellant's exposure to toxic substances during military service. A VA examination is required under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for VA examinations, which was a necessary step in evaluating his disability.,For TDIU, the Veteran met the criteria as of June 23, 2021, due to service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for type 2 diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and bilateral cataracts was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show that his diabetes mellitus met the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not require insulin or regulation of activities.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide exposure is granted at a 20 percent level, effective as of August 15, 2018. The appeal to grant an earlier effective date for the service connection of diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has determined that the August 2022 rating decision denying service connection for diabetes mellitus type II should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were received within one year of the PACT Act's effective date (August 10, 2022), allowing an effective date of August 10, 2022.,The grants of service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and erectile dysfunction were granted on a secondary basis to diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, respectively. As such, they have an effective date of August 10, 2022.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.,However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of being housebound as he does not have a single disability rated 100% disabling with other service-connected independently ratable at 60%, or be permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted an initial increased rating of 50 percent, effective December 13, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis has been established. The Veteran is also service-connected for hepatic steatosis secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations and medical opinions regarding potential exposure to toxic substances during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on her need for supervision, protection, or instruction due to multiple diagnosed conditions and functional limitations. The appeal is being remanded for further development to determine eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diabetes and its relation to his service-connected back disability, as well as the need for further development related to toxic exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded. Additional evidence and clarification are needed, including a VA Form 21-8940 and updated diabetes examination.