Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the prior remand directives and has therefore ordered additional development to determine if service connection for diabetes mellitus II can be granted as secondary to service-connected cervical spine and/or depressive disorder.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left and right shoulder disabilities, low back disorder, multiple joint pain, diabetes mellitus type II, residuals of a head injury (TBI), and vertigo. The reasons were that the Veteran did not have evidence of these conditions during or immediately after military service, and there was no clear connection to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and residuals of wounds to the left buttocks, left ankle, and left knee as there was no evidence of these conditions during or proximate to the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, specially adapted housing, and special home adaption grant due to the Veteran's right above the knee amputation. The claim will be reconsidered with a medical opinion on whether the amputation is related to diabetes mellitus or other service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and a seizure disorder as secondary to DM due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran was not diagnosed with either condition during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II, hypothyroidism, and stomach tumor (also claimed as stomach ulcer) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, nephrosclerosis, UTI, and hypertension as they are not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, right knee disability, and back disability as there was no evidence of in-service onset or nexus to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM) with erectile dysfunction and retinopathy was denied as the condition does not require insulin or regulation of activities, and separate compensable ratings are not warranted for diabetic retinopathy or erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and need for further examination regarding chemical exposure in service and its relation to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, skin condition (rosacea), autoimmune hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, residuals of liver transplant, and hepatic encephalitis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, gout, dysentery, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to new evidence received since the last denial in June 1992. The claims are reopened but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, due to exposure to Agent Orange while stationed at Nakhom Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base from May 1967 to May 1968, is granted. The Board found that the Veteran’s duties placed him at the perimeter of the RTAFB and thus qualifies for presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus and chloracne due to incomplete VA examinations, conflicting mailing addresses, and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran will need to provide his current address and undergo new VA examinations.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is now rated at 30 percent, effective October 16, 2019. His diabetes mellitus and PTSD remain at their current ratings.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder effective August 31, 2012. The remaining issues on appeal have been remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back condition, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension due to inadequate nexus opinions provided by the VA examiner in July 2018.