Diabetes decisions — 2026

The Board denied the appellant's request for an effective date prior to January 10, 2020, for a 60% disability rating for diabetes mellitus, Type II.

The Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claim for service connection for diabetes based on new and relevant evidence is granted. The claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective February 25, 2025, based on his service-connected bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy. The claim for a TDIU is part of the initial increased rating claims and began on the date of service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is secondary to his service-connected disabilities, but an addendum opinion is needed to address whether obesity and/or aggravation of obesity by service-connected conditions are also factors in the development of diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy, based on impairment of the sciatic nerve, is granted a disability rating of 40 percent effective from September 8, 2022. The femoral nerve condition has not been rated as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents at Fort McClellan.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and thyroid disorder due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted the claim of service connection for hepatocellular carcinoma, finding that it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy on a basis other than the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral eye disorder, but denied service connection for his CAD and DM II. The bilateral eye disorder is related to exposure to ionizing radiation in service. However, there is no evidence linking CAD and DM II to service or to the Veteran's service-connected TBI.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's exposure to diesel, JP-8, JP-4, industrial solvents used in cleaning, degreasing, paint fumes, carbon monoxide, and possible lead exposure during active naval service.

The Board has granted service connection for back pain, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), right hand and finger issues, and obstructive sleep apnea. The effective date remains March 10, 2020.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted, with some issues being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as there is no competent evidence showing that it manifested during active duty or within one year of separation. The Veteran's contention that his diabetes began in service is not supported by credible medical evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) since November 21, 2018, due to multiple service-connected disabilities and his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, right toes amputation, left lower peripheral neuropathy, right lower peripheral neuropathy, left upper peripheral neuropathy, and right upper peripheral neuropathy have been granted. The Board also remanded the cases of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension.

The Veteran seeks a higher level of SMC based on the grant of service connection for chronic kidney disease. However, due to the secondary nature of his chronic kidney disease to type II diabetes mellitus, further clarification is needed regarding whether the conditions are separate and distinct.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, psychiatric disability, GERD, DM, CAD, and ED have been granted with effective dates ranging from July 29, 2022 to September 8, 2021. The claim for service connection for OSA was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, upper right extremity is granted. The appeal for restoration of a 30 percent rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, upper left extremity is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA secondary to PTSD and denied service connection for DMII secondary to PTSD.