Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetic retinopathy was denied as his visual acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and he does not have any significant visual field loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus, type II, did not have its onset during active duty or within one year of separation from service. The VA examiner found no evidence to support a nexus between the in-service elevated blood sugar reading and the current diagnosis of diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and lumbar spine disability (claimed as low back pain) were denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was not granted, and there is no prior unadjudicated claim for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and granted it on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was withdrawn from appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus II, and heart disease, has been remanded due to the need for a new video conference hearing.

The Veteran's interstitial lung disease and diabetes mellitus Type II were not caused or aggravated by VA treatment, nor are they presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been caused by his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board also found that the Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. However, the right hip fracture claim was not addressed due to procedural issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional disabilities were not caused by VA medical treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. � 1151.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes or hypertension in service and denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions. The Board also noted that there was no probative evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date was September 15, 2009, for service connection of diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide exposure. For erectile dysfunction, there is no evidence of any deformity of the penis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated VA treatment records. The goal is to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus Type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing at an alternate location. The AOJ needs to explore all reasonable avenues for accommodating the Veteran's hearing request.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus could not be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. The evidence does not support a relationship between diabetes mellitus, type II, and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board has found that PTSD is related to his verified in-service stressors, thus granting service connection for PTSD. Service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure and to provide a VA opinion on whether his diabetes is related to any in-service event or condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The erectile dysfunction is being remanded as it may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and left leg neuropathy have been rated based on their current severity. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his diabetes mellitus (to 40%) and left leg neuropathy (to 20%), effective December 24, 2013, and December 3, 2014 respectively. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease remains at a 30% rating.