Diabetes Board decisions

The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and bilateral lower extremity nerve disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claim for TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetic neuropathies, and retinopathy, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU from March 29, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, amputation of right index finger, fracture of left wrist, diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel of left wrist, and carpal tunnel of right wrist. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 has been dismissed. The issues of a higher rating for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, as well as TDIU prior to January 12, 2019, are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for type II diabetes mellitus is denied as there was no in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the evidence does not show chronicity or continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, and congestive heart failure, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension (secondary to coronary artery disease), shortness of breath (secondary to coronary artery disease), valvular heart disease (secondary to coronary artery disease), and cardiac dysrhythmia (secondary to coronary artery disease) are all granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents at U-Tapao base in Thailand, which is considered presumptive for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's SMC (r)(2) benefits for need of aid and attendance are granted, effective March 31, 2015. The RO failed to apply the correct rate due to a LCR error in applying asbestosis and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board also remanded the issues of a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity varicose veins, left lower extremity varicose veins, and PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for basal cell carcinoma, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cardiac impairment, pulmonary disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, cataracts, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to insufficient evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, and diabetes mellitus type II have been dismissed as moot due to the submission of a timely NOD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person to perform personal care functions of everyday living or to protect him from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, leading to a grant of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes does not require regulation of activities.,PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50% rating.

The Board has decided to reduce the Veteran's diabetes rating from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective April 1, 2016. The Veteran appealed this decision and it was remanded due to concerns about the reliability of the VA opinions used in the original decision.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Airforce Base in Thailand is presumed. The decision also notes that the Veteran worked on or near the perimeter of the base for approximately six months.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied initial disability ratings. The Veteran was granted TDIU on a schedular basis but not on an extraschedular basis prior to February 19, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a TDIU rating from August 9, 2012. The case is remanded for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes, and related neuropathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has accepted the Veteran's legacy NOD as timely and remanded for development, including issuance of an SOC. The issues of higher ratings for coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, and diabetes mellitus type II are now before the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a direct relationship between the claimed conditions and service, or any other compensable basis.,The effective date for service connection has been granted for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.