Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Erectile Dysfunction, and Bilateral Cataracts have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation under the rating criteria.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected under the PACT Act.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.,A rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (all radicular groups) is granted.,A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (all radicular groups) is granted.,A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) is granted.,A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip strain, low back disability, right and left heel spurs, and diabetes mellitus, type II.,However, the claims for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), service connection for cerebrovascular accident claimed as a stroke, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II; and service connection for a fractured pelvis are remanded.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection are remanded due to additional evidence being added after a previous Supplemental Statement of the Case. The appellant is seeking benefits on an accrued benefits basis and must provide proof she paid the Veteran's last expenses.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent since April 19, 2005. The Board found that the condition does not warrant a higher rating from December 1, 2014 to the present.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus had its onset during service or within one year of service. The claim will be reviewed with a new medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during service, and a thorough search for all locations where the Veteran was stationed is required.

The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is reopened, but the Veteran's bilateral plantar warts are still rated at 10 percent. The case is remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and his in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes and various types of neuropathy are remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.

The Board denied service connection for non-diabetic neuropathy and chronic joint pain, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of SMC at the A&A rate effective August 17, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not rated compensably, as his current hearing levels do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for COPD due to asbestos exposure is denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure and the condition is more likely related to smoking than service.,Coronary artery disease claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure is denied, with the opinion stating that the Veteran's COPD was not caused by his service-connected asbestos-related COPD.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure is denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure and the condition is more likely related to smoking than service.,Transient ischemic attack (TIA), claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure, is denied with the opinion stating that the Veteran's COPD was not caused by his service-connected asbestos-related COPD.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 2, 2005, for service connection for DM2 and a higher initial rating were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support requiring regulation of activities due to DM2.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran's request for a hearing was withdrawn after he did not appear at his scheduled hearing.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral hip and foot disabilities, psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, hearing loss, vertigo, vision loss, hyperlipidemia, GERD, skin rashes, hand circulatory condition, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The remand requires additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral foot gout, and left foot osteoarthritis as the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is granted, effective September 18, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability) is granted, effective October 19, 2020.