Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to December 4, 2015, for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea and a compensable evaluation for hypertension are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6847.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy (all radicular groups), left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy (all radicular groups), right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (sciatic nerve), and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (sciatic nerve) is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 8513, 8513, 8520, or 8520.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II is granted. The claims of service connection for essential tremors and TDIU are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and the Veteran's claims are based on a direct relationship to service, not exposure to herbicides.

The Board dismissed the motion to reverse or revise the March 2019 RO rating decision that denied service connection for a back condition and diabetes mellitus, as the Appellant lacked standing due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound criteria. The Veteran was granted a combined rating of 80 percent for his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease rated at 100 percent, which alone qualifies him for TDIU.

The Board has restored service connection for carotid artery stenosis, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus (DM II), and erectile dysfunction (ED). Additionally, the entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ and housebound status have been reinstated. The appeal was not about exposure to Agent Orange or any other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is not considered further.

The Board has decided that more development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and thyroid glands disability with cysts due to exposure during service. The VA examinations were not adequate, and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus was granted effective January 5, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chest scar is denied as the date of entitlement predates his November 24, 2020 claim.,The Veteran's heart disability remains at a 30% evaluation from April 1, 2021 onwards.,The Veteran's chest scarring does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has vacated the June 4, 2024 decision and remanded for further action on claims of effective dates and ratings for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypopituitarism (claimed as diabetes insipidus), right knee disability, left knee disability, and migraine headaches are all granted. The remanded claims of service connection for a urinary system disorder, respiratory system disorder, and right shoulder disorder have been ordered.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with obesity as an intermediate step.

The appeal is dismissed because the May 2021 decision did not address the claims for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II, congestive heart failure, multiple myeloma, and Lewy body dementia. The appellant could not be substituted as the claimant due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of August 10, 2022, for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The decision is based on the fact that no claim was received between February 2007 and December 2022, and the PACT Act did not allow for an earlier effective date.

The Board dismissed the appellant's claim for accrued benefits due to CUE in an October 2013 rating decision because he lacks standing as the Veteran did not have any pending claims at the time of his death.

The appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypersomnolence is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for a left lower extremity neurological disability is remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, effective September 11, 2020. The rating is granted as the evidence shows that his condition requires a restricted diet and an oral hypoglycemic agent (Metformin), but not insulin.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes. The case will be returned for further evaluation.