Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for tinnitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, bilateral upper extremities were denied as the earliest claim was filed on June 22, 2018.,Both conditions were granted service connection from that same date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his claims, and no further action is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic kidney failure, right leg amputation, and various peripheral neuropathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 4, 2011. The effective date for TDIU is set at this date.

The appeal of the right wrist disorder claim is dismissed. The claims for cervical and/or lumbar spine disorder, diabetes mellitus Type II (DM II), respiratory/pulmonary disorder other than asthma and allergic rhinitis, cholecystectomy disease, and body joint pain are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected Type II Diabetes Mellitus with Erectile Dysfunction was denied. The evidence showed that the diabetes required one or more daily insulin injections and a restricted diet, but did not require regulation of activities, hospitalization, or complications warranting higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his diabetes mellitus, type II due to procedural errors and inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is required to obtain missing VA community care treatment records, private treatment records, and provide an addendum opinion on the nature of the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to require regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and left ankle disabilities.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a decision on the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA and DM, Type II. The Veteran was not provided with VA examinations or opinions regarding these conditions due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, heart disease, stroke residuals, diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were all denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,The Veteran's exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War, or any other specific environment was not considered in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, anxiety, heart attack, torn rotator cuff, right shoulder, and ruptured achilles tendon, left foot. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence regarding his need for aid and attendance or housebound status, specifically related to his service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran did not have any benefits due and unpaid at the time of his death, as no claims were pending. Therefore, accrued benefits are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and renal dysfunction are granted on a direct basis prior to August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so incapable of performing the activities of daily living that he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's cause of death is not related to service-connected conditions, and the Board finds that his pancreatic cancer, hypertension, and diabetes are not caused by or aggravated by exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him helpless or in need of regular aid and attendance, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status or permanent need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to his service-connected bilateral flat feet condition, with obesity acting as an intermediate step.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's representative elected direct review.