Diabetes decisions — 2024

The Veteran's diabetes, coronary arteriosclerosis, and hypertension are granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure in Okinawa. The claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is denied due to lack of relevant evidence. The claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy is also denied.

Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease as due to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for hypertension based on the PACT Act presumption is also granted.,Service connection is granted for left hand numbness and right hand numbness as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded as it was not decided under the presumptive basis of herbicide agent exposure. Service connection based on other theories remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The issues of diabetes mellitus, bilateral kidney disability, and depression are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII), prostate cancer and residuals, and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Service connection has also been granted for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to DMII.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, and obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is required to readjudicate these claims in the first instance as they have been reopened.

The Veteran's foot ulcers and kidney disability are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after separation from service. The back disability was productive of forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's kidney disability and his active service.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diagnosis of diabetes.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant does not meet the eligibility requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, a right leg amputation secondary to DM, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of diabetes mellitus, type II and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to inadequate examination. The Veteran's DMII is rated at 20 percent, but a higher evaluation may be warranted given his additional service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes is found to cause urinary frequency, warranting service connection. The rating for diabetes remains at 40 percent as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy were found to be aggravated by his service. The Board has determined that there are duty-to-assist errors in the claims file regarding the Veteran's left hip disability and has ordered remand for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of diabetes has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, retinopathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in the Blue Water Navy.

The Veteran's service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity sciatic nerve diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity femoral nerve diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity sciatic nerve diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity femoral nerve diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been granted with effective dates of October 25, 2018. The Veteran's service connection for erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer residuals have also been granted.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his diabetes-related conditions and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's eye disability, including bilateral hypertensive retinopathy with diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, pseudophakia and cataracts, has been rated at 10 percent since January 19, 2017. The decision grants a higher evaluation from that date.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension are granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure. The Board found the evidence sufficient to establish herbicide exposure in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation due to his service-connected disabilities.