Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as their relationship to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's inability to participate in a VA examination. The examiner is requested to determine if his diabetes is related to service-connected disabilities and whether it is caused or aggravated by them.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC due to the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded as there are insufficient medical records to determine his current level of impairment from service-connected peripheral neuropathy, which could affect his eligibility for SMC.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension have been granted. Diabetes mellitus type II is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure, while hypertension is granted based on the PACT Act effective date of August 10, 2022. The heart disorder claim remains pending as remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus, type II. The examiner must consider whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed. The claims for service connection for a throat condition, including throat cancer; diabetes mellitus; bilateral knee disabilities; lumbosacral strain; and COPD were all denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a separate disability evaluation for diabetic retinopathy due to diabetes mellitus Type-II was denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for onychomycosis of the feet was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including obtaining a TERA examination and ensuring all outstanding records are obtained. The focus is on determining if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to his military service, specifically participation in Operation Watch Dog.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, treatment records review, and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, skin condition, and headaches due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied a separate compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy and denied a higher than 60 percent rating for diabetic nephropathy. The Veteran's current ratings are considered appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, respiratory disability (to include COPD, chronic bronchitis, and chronic cough), bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and diabetes mellitus type II are not supported by the evidence. The appeals have been remanded to allow further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus (to include complications resulting therefrom), and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have all been denied.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is granted as it is considered to be a symptom of their service-connected depression.,For the initial rating period from June 6, 2018 to March 25, 2019, the Veteran receives a disability rating of 50% for their psychiatric disorder (depression with anxiety).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including panic attacks, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's vertigo, seizure disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability (lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis with radiculopathy), diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral eye disability, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic memory loss disability, chronic headache disability, major depressive disorder, right foot disability, right knee disability, arthritis, left foot disability, left knee disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability are not supported by evidence of record.,The Veteran's service connection claims for vertigo, seizure disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability (lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis with radiculopathy), diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral eye disability, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic memory loss disability, chronic headache disability, major depressive disorder, right foot disability, right knee disability, arthritis, left foot disability, left knee disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability are denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed for the issues of increased ratings and service connection. Service connection was granted for GERD, chronic cough, and diabetes.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and hypertension. The appeal was granted due to the proper application of law and evidence.