Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disability and peripheral neuropathy, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since December 30, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and chronic residuals of a right eye injury in August 2016, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for microscopic hematuria and diabetes mellitus type II, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the microscopic hematuria claim and concluding that diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative osteoarthritis and found that the Veteran's current diabetes is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected gouty arthritis. The issues of service connection for non-gouty arthritis, higher rating for gouty arthritis, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance for the spouse, and TDIU are referred back to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to January 27, 2004 due to the need for insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent. From January 27, 2004, a rating of 20 percent is warranted as she requires insulin and a restricted diet.,The Veteran's hypertension does not warrant a separate compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence of current diabetes mellitus and denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity as secondary to diabetes. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not related to Agent Orange exposure, and there is insufficient evidence linking it to diabetes.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus or a cardiovascular disability (claimed as hypertension and chest pains) in service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not linked to her military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

Service connection for PTSD and CFS has been granted.,Service connection for fibromyalgia, type II diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. Service connection for uterine fibroid cysts and a respiratory disorder due to Agent GB exposure have not been established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection for any of the claimed conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for decreased kidney function was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for anemia was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction) was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disability (GERD) was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sixth cranial nerve palsy was denied as the evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there were no claims prior to February 27, 2009. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his diabetes mellitus type II with onychomycosis and ED is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for lung cancer, COPD, diabetes and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand, which is presumed to cause ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the cause of the Veteran's death is considered due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides during his active duty service in Thailand.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from July 6, 2010 to the present. His erectile dysfunction does not meet criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a 100 percent rating no earlier than July 10, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, most notably PTSD, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not have their onset during active service or within one year thereafter. The claim was also denied on a direct basis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, right and left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and scar of the face and forehead as they are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 4, 2008.,The Board granted a TDIU rating based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.