Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and a TDIU based on all service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records, provide the Veteran with appropriate notice in response to his TDIU claim, conduct a VA examination, and readjudicate both issues.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II with complications of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy, which constitutes a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The issues of service connection for a neck disorder and higher disability ratings for PTSD and gastroparesis and GERD are being remanded.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the reopening of a cardiovascular condition claim, as well as the ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD. The Board is dismissing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from June 5, 2009, to April 25, 2013. The Board granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) during this timeframe.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for hypertension, shortness of breath due to lung and liver problems, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran died of respiratory arrest due to repeated grand mal seizures resulting from a prior head injury. Contributory conditions included end stage liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy, maintenance hemodialysis, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran was not service-connected for any disability at the time of his death, and none of these conditions were found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred there in, nor is it due to the presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran's type II diabetes was caused by his exposure to dioxins in service, and his left foot neuropathy is due to his service-connected type II diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a search of deck logs and VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus and right big toe disorder are not related to his period of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for additional evidence, including updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding erectile dysfunction. The claims of service connection for diabetes, hearing loss, and left knee disability are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claimed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease is also granted, but the specific basis of this grant (secondary to service-connected disabilities or otherwise) needs further clarification as it relates to his right fifth toe disability and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and possibly medical records from Dr. Heath.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition. The other issues of service connection are addressed as well.

The Veteran's cause of death, pancreatic cancer, is being reviewed to determine if it was related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board has requested a new medical opinion on this issue.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and CLL, both presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's service records show he served at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base but not in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since the date of service connection, and he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU from May 22, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The Veteran's TDIU rating claim is remanded as the VA examiner found that his diabetes and related peripheral neuropathy do not preclude him from performing sedentary work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a TBI examination and adjudication of the psychiatric disorder claim.