Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for diabetes and hypertension, warranting readjudication. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from March 29, 2012, to April 23, 2025. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes and sleep apnea (secondary to a service-connected depressive disorder). The decision is based on the evidence being in approximate balance, with favorable opinions from both VA and private medical providers supporting these findings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's cause of death, including MI, CAD, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and carotid stenosis, is being remanded for further development to assess whether it was caused by or related to symptoms of chest pain during service or toxic exposures during service at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 100 percent effective April 13, 2023.,The Veteran's other trauma and stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent effective April 13, 2023.

The Board found that the effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II should be March 2, 2004, based on a finding of clear and unmistakable error in the prior rating decision. The Veteran's initial claim was filed on March 2, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, diabetes type II (DM II), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and sciatica in both the right and left lower extremities due to obesity resulting from service-connected back and bilateral knee disabilities. The decision is based on a private medical opinion that concluded the Veteran's conditions are caused by his weight gain and obesity, which were caused by his service-connected back and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding various service connection claims and rating determinations due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus II is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the need to verify his exposure to herbicide agents and obtain a medical opinion on the etiology of his condition.

The Board found that the appellant is eligible to receive fees from past due benefits awarded in the portion of the June 2024 rating decision granting higher ratings for bilateral upper and lower extremity diabetic neuropathy. The appeal was denied regarding eligibility for fees related to a chest scar rating.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his active duty in Okinawa is presumed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is proximately due to the lack of sleep caused by his service-connected insomnia disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board finds that the evidence supports this claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and dismissed the claim for a special home adaptation grant as moot.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, PTSD, and bilateral upper and lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy qualify him for SMC(m) based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board granted a whole step increase from SMC(l).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes with upper and lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, glaucoma, back disability, and bilateral knee disability, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of July 26, 2022. Effective date for TDIU is set at this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board will now consider whether GERD, wrist carpal tunnel syndromes, diabetes mellitus, ankle disabilities, hip strain, and knee disability are related to his military service.

The Veteran's death is attributed to multiple conditions, including chronic obstructive lung disease. The Board has decided that the service connection for the cause of death must be remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.