Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes is found to be related to his current diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and hypertension. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension, PTSD, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathies were granted service connection. The PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 30%, effective July 1, 2020, for reasons related to the reduction process. Higher ratings for some of his disabilities were also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no current diagnosis of the condition and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were chronic during and after service. The decision is based on the presumption of service connection due to a disease manifesting in service and continuing since service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, kidney disease, trigeminal neuralgia pain, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), right lower peripheral neuropathy, left lower peripheral neuropathy, right peripheral vascular disease, left peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and hypertension are being remanded due to the Veteran missing his VA examinations.,The Board finds that the Veteran presented good cause for having missed his appointments and therefore, the claims must be remanded to afford the Veteran adequate examinations and medical opinions regarding these disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II is granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents while serving in or near the Korean DMZ.

The Board has determined that there are pre-decisional duty to assist omissions and the case is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease and Type II diabetes mellitus due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection for metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma is remanded as the AOJ failed to obtain a direct service connection medical opinion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) is granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

A 50 percent rating for right upper extremity (RUE) diabetic peripheral neuropathy, throughout the appeal, is granted.,A 40 percent rating for left upper extremity (LUE) diabetic peripheral neuropathy, throughout the appeal, is granted.,Entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing service treatment records and unattempted private medical record requests.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and associated diabetic peripheral neuropathy are granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand as provided by the PACT Act.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes is granted as service connection, with the Board finding that all elements for service connection are met, including a nexus between his in-service exposure to mefloquine and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to a pre-decisional duty to assist omission regarding the Veteran's theory of exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the veteran's claims for various ratings and effective dates due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, residuals of prostate cancer, and hypothyroidism due to exposure to herbicides during the Veteran's military service. The conditions are on the presumptive disease list for exposure to herbicides under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence received, including testimony from the Veteran. The diabetes mellitus claim is remanded as well.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. A 70 percent rating is granted for PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate disability, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, lung disability, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy affecting both upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 6, 2020. The claim for a TDIU is granted.