Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type 2, left lower extremity (LLE) peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity (RLE) peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve due to inadequate development regarding presumptive exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as there is no indication in the record that he had a physical or mental disability preventing him from filing a disability pension claim, and the evidence does not show he met any of the criteria for permanent and total disability under the liberalizing law.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable during the period from January 12, 2012 to August 9, 2012. The evidence showed some functional limitations but did not indicate he was incapable of performing light duty or sedentary employment.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and eye disability (including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome).,Service connection was also denied for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least likely as not that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset in service, was related to service exposure to herbicide agents, or is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and denied special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status (SMC) due to insufficient evidence linking the current right knee condition to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and missing medical records. The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed for service connection, including as possibly related to exposure to herbicide agents and diabetes mellitus.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the appellant's death. The claims are now moot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, Type II diabetes mellitus, and related disabilities are granted. The Board also remanded the Veteran’s claim for service connection for hypertension and a left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of complete records, including from state and SSA. The Veteran's TDIU claim is related to his diabetes.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for various injuries and conditions. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for drug and alcohol abuse as due to service-connected PTSD, but the claims for a right shoulder disability, diabetes mellitus, and spondylolisthesis of the L5 sacrum are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral fingers as there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unresolved questions regarding herbicide agent exposure in Okinawa, Japan. The Veteran's authorized representative requested additional information from relevant DoD sources.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's anxiety disorder and another to evaluate his employability. The increased rating claim for anxiety disorder is also being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, low back condition, bilateral knee and ankle conditions, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension. The decision also remanded the claim for a higher rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for initial compensable ratings for cholecystectomy and right upper and mid quadrant scars, as well as service connection for diabetes, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a prostate condition. The claims are dismissed.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee disorders, heart disorder, respiratory disorder (likely COPD), diabetes mellitus, type II, and lower extremity disabilities. The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide agent exposure and the cause of death. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is presumed, but further investigation is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, an eye disability (including proliferative diabetic retinopathy), a heart disability, and erectile dysfunction have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for all issues.