Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was granted in a March 2020 rating decision, effective September 6, 2016. However, the case is dismissed as moot because the benefit sought on appeal has already been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, due to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran served on ships within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam during the Vietnam Era.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is not related to his in-service exposure to fuels and did not manifest within one year of separation from service. The Board found the VA examiner's opinion more probative than the Veteran's lay opinion regarding the etiology of his diabetes.

The Veteran's death was caused by multi-system organ failure, with contributory causes being Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, and type II diabetes mellitus. These conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve are each rated at 20 percent, while his right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the median nerve is rated at 30 percent. The Veteran’s left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the median nerve is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and remanded the issues of service connection for left hip condition, bilateral knee condition, osteoarthritis, and bilateral shoulder condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II with retinopathy and cataracts has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded for a VA examination to assess its current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions include adenoma in the duodenum, removal of gall bladder (Whipple procedure), intestinal condition secondary to Whipple procedure, diverticulitis, peritoneal scarring, periumbilical incisional hernia, epigastric hernia, and diabetes mellitus. These conditions are all related to his service-connected adenoma in the duodenum. The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been granted a 20% rating for moderate lateral instability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral shoulder disabilities. The case is remanded for a new examination to determine the etiology of any current bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's representative provided additional studies and requested an addendum opinion considering chemical exposure and dietary habits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder other than coronary and ischemic heart disease, as well as his claim for total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran's current heart disorders were not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes and coronary and ischemic heart disease.

The Board has granted the reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for a heart condition, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and shortness of breath. The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claims for increased ratings for DMII and hypertension are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. A TDIU is granted. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, representing moderate severity. The Board finds that the symptoms described do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right thumb condition, sleep apnea, and diabetes are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hip condition, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus due to potential issues with causation and need for additional medical opinions.