Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction is denied. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, satisfied with the disability ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The reduction in rating for diabetes mellitus from 40 to 20 percent, effective January 1, 2018, was proper. Service connection has been established for PTSD, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathies of the sciatic and femoral nerves, prostate cancer residuals, right knee disability, left knee disability, and service-connected conditions that have not resulted in a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and the need to locate additional medical records from his Air Force Reserve service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, due to the need for clarification regarding herbicide exposure at U-Tapao Airfield in Thailand.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease due to his death during the appeal process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in 1962, which is necessary for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and various types of peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions in the file.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and anxiety disorders. The decision is based on the severity of his conditions and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that he did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU from July 2, 2007 to August 19, 2010 due to his marginal employment and lack of physical or mental limitations.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 1, 2019 was denied as there is no evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents and a need for additional medical opinions on whether diabetes mellitus, type II, is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and diabetic neuropathy as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or any other basis for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of diabetes mellitus type II and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety disorder and PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of the right kidney was denied due to a lack of evidence showing that VA care caused his condition, while the low back disability secondary to service-connected conditions issue is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy have been denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran’s right knee disability is not warranted due to limited flexion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) as a result of exposure to herbicides. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the sciatic nerve were granted, with a reduction to 10 percent effective July 2019. A higher rating of 40 percent was granted beginning June 3, 2019.