Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and diabetes mellitus, type II, were granted effective June 5, 2005.,Both conditions are considered to be secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his right shoulder disorder, which he claims was caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability and diabetes. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's combined rating is 50 percent, which does not meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU. The Board finds that he does not have factors warranting referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service noise exposure and current hearing loss, which are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. However, the issue of whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service remains unresolved.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD from August 4, 2010 to March 7, 2014 was also rated at 50 percent. The Board found that neither condition warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, left index finger amputation, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, compound fracture of right ulna and radius, and hammer toes, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and heart disease are presumed to have been caused by his in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC at a higher level due to his need for regular aid and attendance by another person.

The Board found that Type II Diabetes Mellitus and gout were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of chronic conditions during service or within one year post-service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraine headaches, diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, are found to be of such severity as to preclude his participation in any substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for calcification of the left medial collateral ligament was granted, and his TDIU claim was also granted. The combined evaluation for compensation is now at 90 percent.

The Board denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and TDIU prior to September 16, 2014. The Veteran's service-connected conditions were found not to meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his alleged exposure to Agent Orange and to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature of his psychiatric, diabetes, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, adrenal gland tumor, and prostate disability claims.

The Veteran claims service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, which he attributes to exposure to herbicides during his service in the Air Force. The case is being remanded due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with the exception of the claim for a compensable disability rating prior to March 1, 2011 for left upper extremity scar. The remaining claims are also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder and diabetes mellitus are related to his active duty service, but he was not exposed to herbicides during this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression is causally related to his service-connected PTSD and diabetes-related disabilities, leading to a grant of service connection for depression.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation due to need for aid and attendance is being remanded as additional examination is needed to assess the extent of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran likely stepped foot in Vietnam and can be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, leading to a grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.