Diabetes Board decisions

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the relationship of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and the in-service elevated glucose levels, thus granting service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of her service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's diabetes symptoms, particularly chronic diarrhea. The case will be returned for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, neuropathy of the feet, hypertension, and a left eye disability. The Veteran asserts these conditions are related to exposure to herbicides or asbestos during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including requesting the Veteran's Official Military Personnel File and attempting to verify his account of Agent Orange exposure in Massawa, Africa. The issue remains about service connection for diabetes mellitus type II based on new evidence.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was rated at 20 percent prior to March 10, 2015 and denied for a higher rating. For the period beginning March 10, 2015, his disability was rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA treatment records since May 2012 and scheduling him for a VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's voiding dysfunction was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that his exposure to herbicides in service during his time in Korea is presumed and resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus with non-proliferative retinopathy and erectile dysfunction warrants a rating in excess of 20 percent, but further development is needed to determine if regulation of activities due to diabetes mellitus requires a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claims can be decided, including obtaining legible copies of service medical records and a VA examination for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral diabetic retinopathy and denied service connection for glaucoma. Bilateral diabetic retinopathy is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, while glaucoma is not proximately due to or aggravated by diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to an outstanding hearing request by the Veteran. The Veteran is entitled to a videoconference hearing on his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus requires insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. The current rating of 20 percent is appropriate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and disc herniation, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the period from June 16, 2004, to November 13, 2005. His disability rating for his lumbar spine condition is 40 percent on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis with arthritis, celiac spruce and anemia (claimed as weakened/vulnerable immune system and stomach problems), diabetes mellitus, type II due to Agent Orange exposure, and peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure and service-connected disabilities has been granted.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for cause of death due to lack of new and material evidence, including the Appellant's lay assertions that her husband's diabetes was related to his military service.