Diabetes decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea to readjudicate them based on new evidence.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between his bilateral knee disabilities and the development of obesity, which may have contributed to the onset of diabetes.

The appeal for increased ratings and other benefits related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions was dismissed due to the Veteran's death before any claims were finally adjudicated.

The Board remands the issues of service connection for diabetes, hypertension, and prostate cancer to correct a duty to assist error related to notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing before the AOJ.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and hypertension. The Board also denied an initial compensable evaluation for a right upper arm burn scar and a right hand scar, as well as a 10 percent evaluation based upon multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss but granted effective dates, a 20 percent disability rating for prostate cancer, and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and the grant of an effective date prior to May 15, 2021 for special monthly compensation.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the claim for diabetes mellitus type 2 due to a need for further evidence.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran's condition is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on medical opinions that linked OSA to the development of diabetes.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, on a presumptive basis due to presumed herbicide agent exposure during the Veteran's service in Vietnam.

The Board remands the appeal for further development consistent with a Joint Motion for Remand, including obtaining federal records from SSA and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of syncope associated with the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board remands the claims for a new examination to determine the current severity of hypothyroidism and diabetes insipidus, as previous examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction secondary to the service-connected diabetes and hypertension, hypothyroidism, esophageal cancer, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The claims for irritable bowel syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU as duplicative of a previously remanded case.

The Board denied increased ratings for hypertension, tinnitus, and a left ankle condition. The claims for service connection for headaches, sleep condition, and diabetes mellitus were remanded for further development.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy effective September 29, 2023, but denied an increased rating for tinnitus and other issues.

The reduction in the rating of the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II from 20 percent to 10 percent effective April 26, 2024 is improper and is void ab initio; therefore, the petition to reverse the reduction and restore the 20 percent rating effective January 31, 2023 is granted. The Veteran's earlier effective date for service connection of hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is denied.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II and granted a 20 percent rating for bilateral dry eyes as a complication of the Veteran's diabetes.