Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability and hypertension have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The earlier effective dates for PTSD and tinnitus are denied as there were no prior, unadjudicated claims.,PTSD was granted with an initial rating from April 17, 2015 to May 30, 2018, and a higher rating than 10 percent for tinnitus is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.,The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence of a need for aid and attendance that meet some of the required criteria and not all must be met to warrant the benefit. The Veteran's spouse also requires aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Board has found that more development is necessary for the claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, colon cancer and respiratory disability (asbestosis). The Veteran's exposure to chemicals during service may not be conceded based on his naval service as there is no suggestion of herbicide exposure. However, these disabilities can still be awarded based on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction associated with type II diabetes mellitus is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for PTSD, service connection for various conditions, and a TDIU. The Board denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD since August 12, 2016, but remanded other issues including service connection for DM2 and HTN, IBS, CFS, fibromyalgia, and OSA.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for type I diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy due to procedural issues, inadequate opinions regarding etiology, and the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's death was caused by end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis C and alcohol use. Service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking his hepatitis C or other service-connected conditions to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The conditions are found to be due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran had presumptive exposure to herbicides during his service at Takhli Air Force Base, Thailand, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and did not manifest within a year of separation. The claim was also denied for diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence of its onset during or shortly after service.,Service connection could not be established due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) in Vietnam, as the Veteran's ship did not enter inland waters and he had no documented visitation. The claim for diabetes mellitus secondary to Agent Orange exposure was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral sciatic nerves and right femoral nerve prior to January 4, 2018, and from January 3, 2022.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is rated at 70 percent. Increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity are denied. Increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and TDIU claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus due to improper docketing, as the proper form (VA Form 21-0958) was not used.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and cataracts as they are inextricably intertwined with the outcome of a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's conditions are related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted as service-connected, with no specific exposure basis provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not cause him to be in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, left eye cataract, heart disorder, peripheral vascular disease (including decreased circulation and left leg splint and shunt in left groin), right hand disability (including carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathy), and left hand disability (including neuropathy) due to the need for additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The presumptive exposure basis is based on service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations, which applies to Persian Gulf veterans.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertensive vascular disease due to a request for a personal hearing.