Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU before January 03, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities. However, beginning December 01, 2019, the Veteran's TDIU claim was granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran currently has diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Board has granted service connection for cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke), left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (LUE PN), and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (LLE PN). Service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (RLE PN), and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (RUE PN) is denied.

The rating reduction of the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus disability from 60 percent to 20 percent effective February 1, 2019 was proper.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 100 percent from February 29, 2012. The RO denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to February 29, 2012, or based on a single service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and ischemic heart disease are granted as service-connected. Diabetes mellitus, type II and cataracts (secondary to diabetes mellitus) are remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic nephropathy, left upper and right upper diabetic neuropathy, as well as left and right lower diabetic neuropathy. The Board also granted service connection for left and right lower diabetic neuropathy, as well as left and right restless leg syndrome, all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was incurred during his active duty service and is therefore granted as service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for gout as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes and hypertension, as well as his obesity subsequent to a service-connected psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria were not met.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to a lack of compliance with remand instructions regarding Agent Orange exposure in the DMZ during the Veteran's service from July 1969 to February 1971.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, headaches, right ankle disability, left wrist disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and kidney disorder is granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at October 9, 2009.

The Veteran's hypertension is related to military service and due to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for hypertension has been granted. The claims of diabetes mellitus, type II, hyperlipidemia, squamous cell carcinoma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are remanded as the evidence does not establish a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, and sleep apnea due to exposure to burn pits during active duty.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent and managed with oral hypoglycemic agents, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating as the condition does not require insulin.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, with an effective date of March 7, 2013.

Service connection is denied for diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, left lower extremity numbness, and lumbar spine disorder. The case is REMANDED to obtain medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.