Diabetes decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the cases of diabetes mellitus type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (LLE PN), right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (RLE PN), and thyroid cancer for further development. The Veteran's claims are related to his exposure to herbicide agents at Fort McClellan (FTMC) in Anniston, AL.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate TERA opinions regarding the Veteran's diabetes. The claim will be returned for further review and an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has determined that VA examinations are required to determine if the Veteran's disabilities, including diabetes and neuropathy of various extremities, are at least as likely as not related to hazardous exposures during service. The issues of service connection for glaucoma secondary to diabetes are also remanded due to their inextricability with other claims.

The Board denied an increased disability rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, finding that the Veteran's medical management did not require regulation of activities.

The appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, transient ischemic attack, and kidney stones. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed DMII and TIA.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding no evidence to support a nexus between his diabetes and service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, IBS, diabetic nephropathy, and erectile dysfunction was granted with an effective date of November 14, 2022. The award also includes SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was granted with an effective date of October 29, 2024. This decision also grants the Veteran a 70 percent rating for PTSD from October 27, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected Parkinson's disease resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance as of July 23, 2019.,Throughout the initial period on appeal, the Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity (femoral nerve), was characterized by moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of June 22, 2019 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% disability rating effective June 8, 2020. The appeal for earlier effective dates for the service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing on a supplemental claim. The matter is now being sent back to the AOJ for proper notification.

The Veteran's SMC(l) was granted based on his service-connected prostate cancer, metastatic cancer of the back, ribs, and pelvis, and metastatic cancer of the lymphatic system. The Board found that he has additional disabilities independently ratable at 50 percent or more, including RUE peripheral neuropathy, diabetes with erectile dysfunction, LLE peripheral neuropathy, sciatic nerve, RLE peripheral neuropathy, femoral nerve, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and right clavicle fracture residuals. The Veteran is now entitled to SMC(m 1/2) based on these additional disabilities.

The Board dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's service connection and rating for various conditions due to the death of the Appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension as the evidence does not support a finding of exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to service or exposure to ionizing radiation and JP-4 fuel, oils, and cleaning fluids.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, and a bilateral foot condition as the evidence did not support their onset or relationship to active military service.,There is no persuasive evidence that the Veteran's claimed conditions began during his period of active duty.

The Board has granted effective dates of January 30, 2020 for service connection and related benefits for various conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy and erectile dysfunction, scars, peripheral neuropathies, and a mid-sternotomy scar. The decision is based on the presumption that these conditions are due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran was granted an earlier effective date of May 10, 2005 for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.,The Veteran was also granted an earlier effective date of May 10, 2005 for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's attorney, R.C., is eligible for a direct payment of reasonable attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in February and March 2022 Rating Decisions. However, the appeal is denied as the highest reasonable fee that may be charged is 10 percent.