Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the reduction of his hepatitis B rating from 20% to 0% was upheld. Service connection was not established for diabetes, left knee arthritis, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea. Bilateral hearing loss was granted.

The Veteran's attempts to appeal the January 14, 2020 rating decision were not timely filed and dismissed.

The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service, as well as whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.

The appeal of the proposed reduction in PTSD rating from 70% to 50%, and for service connection claims related to various joints and diabetes mellitus type II, has been dismissed due to procedural issues. The Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetic neuropathy, hypertension (under PACT Act), and type II diabetes mellitus. The claims are not supported by the evidence provided.

The Veteran's SMC based on housebound status is granted, and he is also awarded increased ratings for his peripheral neuropathy conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and melanoma. The Veteran's claims were based on exposure to herbicides at Fort McClellan, but the evidence did not establish actual exposure.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diverticulitis, type II diabetes mellitus, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, diverticulitis, type II diabetes mellitus, sleep disorder, bilateral pes planus, left ankle/foot tibialis tendinitis, and left foot arthritis of midtarsal joint are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and onychomycosis of toenails was rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it required only a restricted diet and one or more daily injection of insulin without regulation of activities. The other peripheral neuropathy conditions were also not rated higher.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and its secondary effects on other conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus type II, esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and splenomegaly.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's current disability and a link between his service-connected disabilities and his DM are established, but a VA examination is needed to address the causal nexus.

The Veteran's prostate condition and diabetes mellitus claims have been denied.,The cardiovascular, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity issues are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's liver cancer is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and the Board grants this claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for the cause of death and burial benefits due to a lack of medical opinion regarding the Veteran's exposure at Camp Lejeune, which could impact his eligibility for these benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy was aggravated during his period of active duty training in August 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA needs to obtain examination reports and determine if the service-connected conditions meet the criteria for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) memoranda. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a new TERA memorandum considering all toxic exposures the Veteran was subject to as an aviation machinist mate/jet engine mechanic.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition due to insufficient information in the record, particularly regarding the relationship between his current health issues and his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, hypertension, DMII, hypothyroidism, and skin condition are related to his active-duty service. However, further development is needed for the claims of erectile dysfunction and skin condition due to potential exposure to toxins during service.