Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was reopened and granted. Service connection was also granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for sinusitis/rhinitis, hypertension, left ear hearing loss, and lumbar strain are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under DC 7528.,The Veteran's DM2 is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on diabetes requiring one or more daily injections of insulin and restricted diet, or an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet (40 percent).,For diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, the Veteran is rated at 20 percent prior to July 18, 2023, and 20 percent thereafter. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on moderate incomplete paralysis.,For diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran is also rated at 20 percent prior to July 18, 2023, and 20 percent thereafter. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent evaluation is the maximum available.,Service connection for high cholesterol is denied because it does not meet VA compensation criteria.,A TDIU award is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantial gainful employment.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for schizophrenia remains remanded due to potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.,Claims for higher ratings for right rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis are also remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and metatarsalgia remain remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, internal hemorrhoids, right colon adenoma, umbilical hernia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a right colon adenoma is also remanded.,Service connection claims for an umbilical hernia secondary to the right colon adenoma and diabetes mellitus remain remanded.,Claims for service connection for heart disability, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied service connection for diabetes, back condition, and bilateral shoulder condition. The decision is based on the evidence showing a history of elevated blood pressure during service that eventually led to hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's already service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, including as secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's obesity is also being evaluated in relation to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, and bilateral diabetic retinopathy are granted. The Board finds the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam, which is presumed for veterans who served in that region. As a result, these conditions are considered related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for mental disability and diabetes mellitus due to inadequate notice regarding scheduled VA examinations, and for providing proper guidance on the consequences of failing to report for such exams.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to a lack of proper documentation regarding herbicide exposure during service. The Board will attempt to verify the U.S.S. Ranger's position within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam or in the waters outlined by law.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, finding no direct link to his active service and rejecting secondary service connection based on hyperthyroidism. The Board also found no evidence of herbicide exposure in Panama.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities, including service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD, require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding his requirement for aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to in-service herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 (DM2) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), both of which are secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran contends that his OSA and DM2 began due to weight gain caused by his PTSD symptoms during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for stroke, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The case is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hormone deficiency.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and his service in Vietnam, which is necessary for determining if he was exposed to these conditions that could have contributed to his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability and remanded all other issues due to new evidence received since the last denial. The claims are being remanded for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired respiratory condition (asbestosis), coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, finding that these conditions are related to his active-duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma as due to service-connected diabetes. The decision is based on new evidence provided by the Veteran.