Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his sleep apnea, with obesity considered as an intermediate step.

The Board denied service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as diabetic neuropathy, to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension, finding that both conditions are proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam. Service connection is also granted for the bilateral lower extremity neuropathies on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted an extraschedular TDIU from April 4, 2005 to January 2, 2012 and basic eligibility for DEA effective April 4, 2005 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility are granted from September 4, 2019. The effective date for both benefits is set at the earliest date of receipt of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The case will be adjudicated again with the inclusion of an updated Aid and Attendance examination.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for heart disease has been granted at a 30 percent level.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The claim for tinea pedis and onychomycosis is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 was denied because his request for a Higher-Level Review of the April 2022 denial was untimely.

The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is being remanded due to the need for personal care services, as determined by VA medical providers. The decision on whether the program is in his best interest will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's pre-diabetes is presumed to be due to his in-service exposure to herbicides, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II associated with herbicide exposure is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of a higher rating due to lack of insulin or restricted diet.,The effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there was no actual diagnosis prior to July 25, 2022.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypertension is granted. The Veteran also received an increased initial rating of 60 percent for his GERD disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only. The claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was also denied as there was no evidence of needing regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to a service-connected disability are all denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service exposure or a relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted an initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher. His claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral sensory polyneuropathy did not result in loss of use of his feet, as there was still some functional capacity remaining. The evidence showed significant pain and numbness but also some residual strength and sensation.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer residuals, diabetes, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity have resulted in a TDIU effective October 1, 2007. The Veteran is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 since this date.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, foot rash/fungus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year thereafter.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorders.