Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses at St. Elizabeth Medical Center from May 12, 2009 to May 15, 2009 are denied as he had another health-plan contract for payment or reimbursement of part of the expenses related to his left elbow injury.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist arthritis, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea, and bilateral elbow bursitis. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed right wrist condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and diabetes mellitus were denied, as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for right upper extremity scars was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, lung cancer, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, resulted in a combined 80% disability rating. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantial gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, both found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claim of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability is REMANDED due to its inextricably intertwined nature with these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus prior to August 27, 2014 is dismissed as he has expressed satisfaction with the current rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus from August 27, 2014 is dismissed as he has expressed satisfaction with the current rating.

The Board found that diabetes mellitus with numbness did not have its clinical onset in service, was not exhibited within the first post-service year, is not the result of herbicide exposure in service, and is not otherwise related to active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that his TDIU request should be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records related to the Veteran's SSDI benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral pes planus were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and his active duty service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is related to his in-service treatment for hypoglycemia, and grants service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy are not related to service, while depression is linked to other conditions. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for diabetes has been withdrawn. The right eye disability and left eye blindness rating remain pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, with secondary dysfunction, incontinence, neuropathy of the right leg, fatigue, enlarged mammary glands, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic neuropathy are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is also presumed to be due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Veteran's other claims for service connection have not been substantiated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, panic attacks, rash condition, and prostate cancer due to lack of evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in Libya. The Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or any other area where Agent Orange was used.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure and grants the claim on the merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his hypertension and an additional comprehensive examination to determine the current severity of his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to consider the combined effects of the appellant's service-connected disabilities on his employability, as well as to obtain additional relevant VA medical records and conduct a VA social and industrial survey.