Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's pre-diabetes is presumed to be due to his in-service exposure to herbicides, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II associated with herbicide exposure is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of a higher rating due to lack of insulin or restricted diet.,The effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there was no actual diagnosis prior to July 25, 2022.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypertension is granted. The Veteran also received an increased initial rating of 60 percent for his GERD disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only. The claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was also denied as there was no evidence of needing regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to a service-connected disability are all denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service exposure or a relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted an initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher. His claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral sensory polyneuropathy did not result in loss of use of his feet, as there was still some functional capacity remaining. The evidence showed significant pain and numbness but also some residual strength and sensation.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer residuals, diabetes, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity have resulted in a TDIU effective October 1, 2007. The Veteran is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 since this date.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, foot rash/fungus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year thereafter.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left lower extremity restless leg syndrome, right lower extremity restless leg syndrome, and diabetes mellitus as secondary to other conditions have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues, including a rating in excess of 20 percent disabling for diabetes mellitus type II, including erectile dysfunction; service connection for a left ankle disability; service connection for a right hip disability; hyperlipidemia; and obesity. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to presumed Gulf War exposure and toxic exposure risk activity. A VA medical opinion is needed to assess whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was caused by an injury or disease in service.

Service connection is denied for hyperlipidemia, low back pain, diabetes mellitus, bladder disability, diminishing eyesight (cataracts), right lower extremity neurologic disability (diabetic neuropathy), right shoulder disability, erectile dysfunction, and allergic rhinitis.,The Veteran's service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations renders him a Persian Gulf War veteran. The PACT Act presumes service connection for qualifying chronic disabilities due to exposure to environmental hazards including fine particulate matter.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, and left upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus. Service connection was denied for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity due to service or diabetes.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other conditions that would support a grant of service connection.

The reduction in the evaluation of service-connected gallbladder disease from 30 to 10 percent was improper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted. The claim for service connection for chronic diarrhea due to service-connected gallbladder disorder and diabetes mellitus type II is remanded.

The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's atrial fibrillation, which is service-connected due to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted on a secondary basis to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The rating for cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, has been denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating beyond 30 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, renal disease, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and GERD have been granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Subic Bay, Philippines.,Service connection for sleep apnea disorder, dental condition, cataracts, diabetic gastroparesis, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and prostate cancer are presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Guam.,Service connection for chronic kidney disease is granted as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.