Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus II, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left toenail condition, xerosis of forearms, actinic keratosis, demodex folliculitis, chronic otitis externa (left ear pain), and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and he has been granted SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ. The bilateral upper extremity diabetic neuropathy remains at 20 percent, while the bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy are each rated at 20 percent effective September 29, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, but he is entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from September 15, 2014.

The Veteran's amputations are not service-connected, and he does not meet the criteria for financial assistance for an automobile or adaptive equipment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's adult daughter is seeking accrued benefits for service connection claims of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and macular degeneration. The Board has determined that these issues have not been formally adjudicated by the Agency of Original Jurisdiction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 25, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune that could be linked to his current diabetes, and he did not have any other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss have been denied initial compensable ratings.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has been granted a noncompensable rating since November 1, 2012. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left femoral nerve was granted a separate 10% rating since July 7, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination due to new evidence and possible worsening of the Veteran's diabetic nephropathy.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied. The restoration of a 40 percent rating for neurogenic bladder from February 1, 2017 to February 22, 2021 is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, type 2 are all granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Thailand.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for balanitis with phimosis, erectile dysfunction, headaches, anxiety disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus have caused him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His death was due to his service-connected conditions, specifically his diabetes mellitus which is presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure.

The Board has dismissed appeals regarding earlier effective dates for service connection of erectile dysfunction and SMC based on loss of use. Service connection for PTSD is granted, with an initial 40 percent rating for diabetes mellitus type II. Other issues are remanded.

The Veteran did not have a pending claim for service connection for diabetes at the time of his death, and there was no evidence indicating he had been owed any money from VA. Therefore, the appellant's claim for accrued benefits is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and his claim for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and a total rating based on individual unemployability was dismissed due to his death. The Board must dismiss the appeal without prejudice as it is not possible to continue the appeal after the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate development of his exposure history and potential etiology.,Specifically, the Board found that there was insufficient information regarding the Veteran's alleged exposures to environmental toxins during service. The claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea are all remanded due to this lack of development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, COPD, and diabetic nephropathy. The remand includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination for coronary artery disease, diabetic nephropathy, and chronic kidney disease, and requesting a supplemental VA opinion regarding COPD.

The claims for service connection for arthritis, memory loss, OSA, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, colonic polyps with a history of colon cancer, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The claim for service connection for arthritis has been denied.