Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and diabetic glaucoma due to non-compliance with prior remand directives. Additional development is required including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has also remanded several issues including PTSD, hearing loss, skin condition, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, diabetes mellitus, Type II, peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, right shoulder impairment, left shoulder impairment, cervical spine disorder, arthritis of the ankles and hips, and tinnitus are not service-connected as they did not begin during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident, status post is not service-connected as it was first shown years after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, heart disease, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to Agent Orange while serving on the U.S.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). The AOJ is instructed to attempt to ascertain if the ship sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam during the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met as of March 3, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and osteomyelitis were denied as new and material evidence was not received within the one-year appeal period. The Board also found that residuals of a right leg amputation below the knee and left leg amputation below the knee are not related to active duty service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and osteomyelitis were denied as new and material evidence was not received within the one-year appeal period. The Board also found that residuals of a right leg amputation below the knee and left leg amputation below the knee are not related to active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and COPD are all granted. The Veteran is also granted service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the appellant's diagnosed diabetes mellitus type II. The examiner must provide a rationale for their opinions and determine if the condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II with reduced vitamin B12 absorption due to medication was denied. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction associated with his diabetes mellitus, type II was granted.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for asbestosis, but has remanded the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted initial ratings, but his request for a higher rating for PTSD has been denied. His claim for an increased rating for diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities (left and right) is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of herbicide exposure and chemical exposure in service, as well as an alternative theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's DPN of the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve in both lower extremities have been rated at 20 percent since February 2, 2010. The Board denied higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure is granted. The Board found the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at Udorn, Ubon, and Nahkom Phanom RTAFBs.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted a 50 percent disability rating, but not higher.,The Veteran’s bilateral diabetic retinopathy, preoperative cataracts, and glaucoma are remanded for further evaluation as the evidence suggests worsening of his condition since the last VA examination in April 2016.,The Veteran's need for a higher level of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes, as well as the potential connection to Agent Orange exposure. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection and increased ratings on multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, foot fungus, left shoulder disorder, restless leg syndrome, rhinitis, sinusitis, sleep disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obesity, diabetes mellitus, stroke, hypertension, and heart disability due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, a skin disorder of the right foot (cellulitis), and rhinitis due to insufficient evidence or inadequate examinations.