Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, increased rating for lumbar spine disability, and initial compensable rating for bilateral feet disabilities have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service for the diabetes claim, and the current ratings were deemed appropriate for the lumbar spine and bilateral feet disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for DMII, LLE and RLE peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship to service. Service connection for hypertension is remanded as the Veteran's treatment records show a diagnosis but no VA examination was conducted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiners concluded that there was no causal relationship between the Veteran’s sleep apnea and either his active duty service or his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in a TDIU for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, traumatic brain injury, and right knee disability due to lack of evidence establishing a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral upper and lower extremities has been granted but does not warrant an increased rating as it is currently evaluated based on mild to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, as he has the physical and mental ability to perform sedentary work.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is granted a 100% rating from November 1, 2015, through January 27, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective January 7, 2008. The ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy remain at 40 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, with gross impairment in thought processes or communication.,Prior to May 30, 2013, the Veteran’s diabetes mellitus required one or more daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it only required a restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent. Therefore, the appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings based on the severity of symptoms and medical findings.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with previous remand directives and requires corrective action. The case is being returned for further development, including the provision of an addendum medical advisory opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer, and coronary artery disease (a form of ischemic heart disease) due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during the Veteran's service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer and/or diabetes due to a failure to verify herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's barracks were near the base perimeter during his time at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right leg amputation due to diabetes mellitus, result in a total schedular rating. As of June 25, 2019, the issue of TDIU is moot because he already receives a 100% schedular rating and SMC based on anatomical loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors. The Veteran was not afforded VA examinations or access to his service treatment records, which are necessary to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential radiation exposure during her military service, and will require further development including obtaining a dose estimate from the USH.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and issuing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's radiculopathy.