Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically addressing her in-service sexual harassment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various types of neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The claim for diabetes mellitus type II is also being remanded, but no rating or effective date has been assigned yet.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand and fingers disability has been dismissed. The initial rating for type II diabetes mellitus is denied, but the Veteran is granted an initial rating of 40 percent for bilateral cataracts with surgery and retinal vascular occlusion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea, both secondary to service-connected peripheral neuropathy, were denied. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence or credible assertions.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for diabetic retinopathy is being remanded due to the need for a new eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, TDIU from July 17, 2017, and SMC based on housebound status due to inadequate examination reports and missing medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, and microalbuminuria are all found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. As such, the Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to his diabetes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is rated at 40 percent, effective October 8, 2015. Prior to January 23, 2016, the Veteran was not entitled to a TDIU due to his employment status. Effective January 23, 2016, he is now entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type I and its related peripheral neuropathies are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he already receives the maximum benefits for his service-connected conditions, including S-1 SMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions, particularly his chronic kidney disease, contributed substantially or materially to his death from intestinal perforation.

The Board denied service connection for gout, high blood pressure, a kidney condition, diabetes mellitus, and bipolar disorder as there was no competent evidence indicating these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's obesity claim is also denied due to VA policy.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and kidney disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects due to incomplete development, including missing in-service hospitalization records. The Veteran's SSA disability benefits record is also requested.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of diabetic ulcers, bilateral feet, and a left transmetatarsal amputation was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, intestinal issues, and a left foot condition due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for restoration of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria from October 1, 2017, as he did not meet the schedular and factual criteria for SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; a heart disability; and low-energy disability (CFS), as well as his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.