Diabetes Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was not incurred during service, may not be presumed to have been incurred therein, and is not secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes disability has not required regulation of activities, and he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has granted the Veteran's increased rating for scars of the right leg, right back, and metallic foreign body in the left hand. The case is remanded to obtain an adequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran is entitled to a separate compensable rating for limitation of function of the left thumb due to service-connected left hand scar.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The diabetes mellitus, type II, along with other service-connected conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and Dupuytren's contracture, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation was at least 70% prior to July 28, 2015. The evidence does not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed, including obtaining deck logs for the USS Thomaston in March 1975.

The Board has ordered additional examinations to determine the severity of ischemic microvascular disease and a nerve disability of the left lower extremity, as these conditions are related to diabetes mellitus type II. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus was denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and the disease did not have its onset during service or within a year after discharge. The claim for TDIU due to left knee disability is addressed separately.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the appellant was exposed to herbicides during service at Fort Chaffee and has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and type II diabetes mellitus. As these conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus type II to his military service or service-connected disabilities, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension. However, the case is remanded as new evidence submitted since November 2006 does not provide a clear and unmistakable error in severing service connection for this condition. The VA examiner must consider all medical evidence including proteinuria episodes and provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's kidney disorders are related to her service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam, and he is granted service connection on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is currently at 80 percent, which meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities combine to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Ischemic Heart Disease, both presumed due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and a separate evaluation for erectile dysfunction with Peyronie's disease. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, private medical records, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle, knee, hip, wrist, and elbow disabilities have been withdrawn.,Service connection is being remanded for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing and will not make a decision on the merits until all necessary actions are taken.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and thus the presumption of Agent Orange exposure does not apply. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were not shown in service or within one year post-service, and there is no medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II and lumbar spine osteoarthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.