Diabetes Board decisions

The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective December 15, 2021, was improper and restoration of the 20 percent rating is granted. The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, IBS, and left hip disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction were not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board denied these claims as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions manifested in service or within one year following separation.,Service connection was also denied for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes-related neuropathies, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board granted TDIU for the period prior to August 30, 2022, and Special Monthly Compensation at the housebound rate for that same period. For the period beginning on August 30, 2022, the Veteran's 100% schedular rating was upheld.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and a heart condition. The case will be remanded to obtain SSA records, VA medical opinions, and toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain private treatment records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his alcohol use disorder, as well as a separate rating for each diabetic complication.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 with diabetes mellitus type 1, finding that January 23, 2020 is the earliest possible effective date.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bladder cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, the AOJ must verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Korea and obtain his Army National Guard service records.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, sterility, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, and migraine have been remanded due to the need for further review of the evidence.,Claims for cervical strain, lumbar strain, right knee condition, left knee condition, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities due to a failure to obtain VA medical opinions addressing the Veteran's participation in toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) during his military service. The AOJ must provide these opinions on remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, as well as their respective secondary peripheral neuropathies, are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. Further development is needed to obtain addendum medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II was denied, and his claim for service connection for malignant neoplasm of the brain is remanded due to failure to attend a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) due to insufficient evidence in the November 2021 nexus opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of ACD from March 14, 2022 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of DMII prior to November 17, 2021 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disability, diabetes, and hypertension due to errors in the duty to assist. The claims will be reviewed with additional development considering toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability are being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant private medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and remanded the claims for erectile dysfunction and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 as secondary to the Veteran's right tibial tubercule excision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in physical impairment requiring regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and MGUS are remanded due to a lack of evidence regarding his exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board will request additional information from the Veteran and review his service records to determine if he was deployed there.