Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling error and requests for another hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are still pending.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal of his increased initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II before a decision was made.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, cervical radiculopathy, heart condition (presumably ischemic heart disease), eczema, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The VA medical opinions provided less than 50% probability for a nexus between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's systemic lupus is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities due to blood sugar levels.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type 2 is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his exposure to herbicides in Okinawa.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was reopened, but new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin and a restricted diet, but does not require avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities. The current rating of 20% is maintained.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence of record to decide whether a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a copy of an affidavit from Mr. G.C., III.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a videoconference hearing due to the appellant's request and the need to ensure proper representation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and sleep apnea are not service-connected, as they were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty. The claim for increased rating of peripheral neuropathy is also denied.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are rated at 10% each from June 19, 2007 to February 20, 2013. The rating is granted for the entire period on appeal.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as further development is needed to assess the combined effects of all service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board found no evidence of a heart disorder in service or within one year post-service, and concluded that the Veteran's current heart condition is not related to her service-connected hypothyroidism. The claim for secondary service connection based on hypertension and diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to have originated during his period of active duty and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left knee disability, and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, II and assigned an initial 20 percent rating effective March 4, 2008. The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date is denied.