Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right rotator cuff tear, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU is granted, as the evidence shows he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since March 27, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a TDIU and a rating of 70 percent, but his diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues are related to his diabetes and potential TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a review by an appropriate VA medical professional to clarify whether the Veteran has separate psychiatric disorders and if so, whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or eyes. Therefore, he does not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent since April 5, 2014. Separate ratings of 20 percent are assigned for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity as of September 17, 2013.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. His bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other causative events, and the diseases are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarifying medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is related to service or caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes were not incurred or aggravated by service, as they existed prior to his entry into military service. The Veteran was not shown to have aggravation of these conditions during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a skin disorder (claimed as actinic keratoses) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran was not exposed to herbicides in Korea, and there is no direct evidence connecting the current diagnoses to his time in service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including an addendum opinion on the etiology of glaucoma and a SOC regarding the rating for anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus during the October 2015 hearing. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and bilateral leg disability, secondary to a service-connected seizure disorder, are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to his Vietnam-era service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition. For the other issues, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension, additional evidence is needed as they are not clearly related to service or presumptive exposure. A respiratory disability claim based on asbestos exposure will be addressed after obtaining updated medical records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, which reflects the need for restricted diet and oral medication. The issues of service connection for hypertension, evaluation of pseudofolliculitis barbae, and PTSD prior to March 3, 2004 are all granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicides and additional development of his medical records.