Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension due to potential exposure to herbicides during active duty training at Fort Chaffee in July and August 1975. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA toxicologist regarding residual dioxin exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to September 23, 2020.

The Veteran's initial claim for erectile dysfunction was denied in April 2018, but a compensable rating is not granted due to the absence of a penis deformity.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ were awarded effective August 31, 2010. The Veteran's initial claim for DM2 was denied in April 2018 with an effective date set at March 14, 2010.,The RO found clear and unmistakable error in the November 2013 rating decision that assigned a March 14, 2010 effective date for the initial 20% disability rating for DM2.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus prior to February 28, 2009 is denied. A 40 percent disability rating is granted for the same condition since February 28, 2009. The claim for a separate compensable rating for diabetes-related erectile dysfunction is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and the need for nexus opinions regarding his psychiatric disorder, DM, renal disorder, prostate cancer, and ED. The claims are related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer and diabetes type II due to ionizing radiation exposure. The case will be returned to the Board after additional development, including requesting records from specific units in Germany.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, sarcoidosis, and a lung disability due to insufficient evidence of record regarding their etiology.

Service connection is granted for diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, and erectile dysfunction.,Service connection is denied for a chronic lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of various extremities, as well as effective dates for service connection. The main reasons are the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, hearing loss evaluation, and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and lung cancer are not related to his active-duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence does not support a finding of herbicide exposure in Korea during the relevant time period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with shin spots and stasis changes of both ankles, bilateral dry eye syndrome, and erectile dysfunction is denied as the criteria are not met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for non-service connected (NSC) pension benefits due to his household income exceeding the applicable maximum annual pension rates (MAPRs).

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board found that there is no medical evidence supporting a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further investigation into the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The Board also remanded the issues of peripheral neuropathy, bilateral knee disorder, and skin disability for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for dementia and diabetes mellitus due to incomplete medical records from private providers.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals from 100% to 40% was improper and has restored the original rating. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, femoral nerve (right and left) are remanded due to lack of recent VA examination. The claim for SMC based on housebound status is granted from April 7, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development regarding service connection for various conditions due to potential exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment prior to August 30, 2016.