Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that the August 2022 rating decision denying service connection for diabetes mellitus type II should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were received within one year of the PACT Act's effective date (August 10, 2022), allowing an effective date of August 10, 2022.,The grants of service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and erectile dysfunction were granted on a secondary basis to diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, respectively. As such, they have an effective date of August 10, 2022.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.,However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of being housebound as he does not have a single disability rated 100% disabling with other service-connected independently ratable at 60%, or be permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted an initial increased rating of 50 percent, effective December 13, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis has been established. The Veteran is also service-connected for hepatic steatosis secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations and medical opinions regarding potential exposure to toxic substances during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on her need for supervision, protection, or instruction due to multiple diagnosed conditions and functional limitations. The appeal is being remanded for further development to determine eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diabetes and its relation to his service-connected back disability, as well as the need for further development related to toxic exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded. Additional evidence and clarification are needed, including a VA Form 21-8940 and updated diabetes examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A). The Board finds that SMC is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer prior to August 10, 2022 on the basis of direct herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service in Thailand was outside the period from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 when veterans are given special consideration for herbicides exposure during service in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for diabetic nephropathy with impaired kidney function is remanded due to inadequate opinions and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic nephropathy and hypertension are currently rated at 60 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his GFR did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent as the Veteran has been on an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of worsening symptoms or a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of various diabetic peripheral neuropathies and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran did not file a claim until July 18, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to toxic exposure, including PACT Act and Camp Lejeune exposures. The Veteran's in-service toxic exposure is not conceded but raised by his testimony and historical records. Further development is needed to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding toxic exposure.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes as the evidence did not show that regulation of activities was required for the treatment of the Veteran's diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their onset or relationship to service. The VA is required to provide a new examination that addresses all pertinent evidence of record.