Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for coronary artery disease (CAD) are denied as the evidence does not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure, a workload greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.,The Veteran's increased rating for CAD beginning March 30, 2011 is denied as the evidence does not show chronic congestive heart failure, a workload of less than 3 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.,The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II are denied as the evidence does not show regulation of activities, required daily insulin use, or hospitalizations during the period at issue.,The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in the right lower extremity are denied as the evidence does not show moderate, incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy in the left lower extremity are denied as the evidence does not show moderate, incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection was granted for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Board found in favor of the Veteran based on the presence of current disability and symptomatology related to his service-connected condition.,The effective date for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to August 14, 2012.,An initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,A higher than 70 percent rating for PTSD was denied as there were no additional symptoms or complications beyond those already established by service connection.,The Board found that the Veteran had not provided new and material evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Thailand. His coronary atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus were also not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, specifically which nerves were affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to PTSD or DM, and due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted from April 20, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical opinions regarding his ability to work, and further development of federal personnel records and SSA disability records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 4, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for his left shoulder condition.,The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the April 30, 2013 rating decision denying service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident was based on clear and unmistakable error due to failure to consider evidence indicating the Veteran had diabetes mellitus type II prior to 2001. As a result, the decision is revised to grant service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, thoracic scoliosis, neck disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right hand pain. The cases are remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition and Type II diabetes mellitus are granted service connection, but the TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a TDIU prior to October 22, 2009 is being remanded for further consideration. The Board finds that the Veteran may be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD and has referred the case to the Director of Compensation Service for an initial determination on whether an extraschedular award based on TDIU should be assigned.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension. The issues of entitlement to service connection for headaches, major depressive disorder, and diabetes are remanded due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a diabetic eye disability as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, has been dismissed because he withdrew the claim prior to a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for clothing allowances is denied because the items claimed (antifungal cream, custom insoles, back brace, and knee braces) are not prescribed for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type I is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines. The decision acknowledges that the Veteran has experienced hypoglycemic reactions requiring one to two hospitalizations per year but no complications due to his condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal.,The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for further development regarding the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and TDIU claims.