Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of increased evaluation for Type II diabetes mellitus and TDIU, as well as service connection for gastrointestinal disorder, kidney disorder, psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy, were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange or other presumptive conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The appeals were not about service connection at all, but rather focused on evaluations of existing conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic retinopathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus grants the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes were not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's suicide was due to his service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, such that he was unable to resist such impulse. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including jaw injury, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tuberculosis with shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting, weight loss, and eye disability. The decisions are based on a finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that diabetes mellitus did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident during active service, and the acquired psychiatric disorder did not originate in service or for many years thereafter, is not related to any incident during active service and is not directly related to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disability, and diabetic retinopathy, all presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran died due to an acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease. The VA did not provide any fault in the care provided, as evidenced by a VA opinion that found no evidence of negligence or error on their part.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including malaria, a respiratory disorder, a cervical spine disorder, neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, right and left eye disorders, fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal pain, bilateral knee disorders, right ear hearing loss, and left ear hearing loss. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss, as defined by VA standards. Therefore, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and CAD due to lack of evidence showing onset during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's assertions regarding herbicide exposure have not been supported by relevant records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after addressing the pending increased ratings claims.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's increased rating claim for schizophrenia is also granted, with referral to the Director of Compensation & Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to improper development of his herbicide exposure in Thailand. Additional efforts are required to verify the Veteran's alleged flight and stop in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction does not require insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus is etiologically related to his service, and hypertension with hypertensive renal insufficiency was incurred in active service. The claim for hypercholesterolemia is denied as it does not constitute a disease or disability for which VA benefits can be granted.