Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.,Specifically, the Veteran’s diabetic nephropathy with hypertension was rated at 80 percent and no higher rating could be assigned due to lack of evidence of dialysis or markedly decreased function of kidney systems.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus disability has not required regulation of activities, and therefore a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes, prostate cancer residuals, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each. The Board found no evidence to warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and are not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran’s diabetic neuropathy of the left upper extremity was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran’s diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities due to new evidence received after the September 2012 rating decision. The Veteran's exposure is alleged to be from in-country Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral retinopathy, neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, as well as issues related to his service-connected diabetes. The remand requires obtaining relevant reports from the U.S. Army and other agencies.

The Board denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not manifest during or as a result of his military service. The issue of secondary service connection for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases due to procedural issues, including failing to issue a Statement of the Case for the initial grant of service connection and an earlier effective date.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of November 1, 2012 for the Veteran's cause of death due to exposure to Agent Orange and pre-existing heart condition. The appellant is also entitled to service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of recent VA examination reports, and the claim for a TDIU will be reconsidered with these new documents.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of total social or occupational impairment. The Veteran's DM-II is rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been rated at 20 percent since May 22, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not show regulation of activities or episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or loss of weight due to diabetes.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The Board also found support for the Veteran's claims of lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and back disability based on in-service exposure to asbestos and other factors.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for obesity, diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and osteoarthritis (including of the bilateral hands, right knee, right hip, left shoulder, and neck), all claimed as secondary to service-connected cognitive disorder. The claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents during the Veteran's service in Korea and no current diagnosis or link between his diabetes and service.,The Board also denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, concluding there was no diagnosed condition related to diabetes and noting the Veteran did not provide competent medical evidence supporting such a claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease, as due to exposure to herbicide agents, is granted. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving aboard the U.S.S. Ponchatoula in waters off Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathies are rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines, with no higher ratings granted. The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU prior to November 22, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and major depressive disorder due to possible exposure to herbicide defoliants while serving on Guam. The case is returned to the AOJ for further action.