Diabetes decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as he did not meet the criteria for unemployability due to his disabilities prior to January 1, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate disorder, and skin condition. The decision is final as no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus could have been aggravated by his service-connected residuals of frozen feet, and thus granted service connection for diabetes mellitus for purposes of accrued benefits. The increased rating claim for frozen feet was also granted. However, the cause of death claim was denied as there was no clear evidence to support it.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for diabetes, a circulatory disorder, and arthritis. The appellant's claim was not well-grounded as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease, with renal failure listed as an other significant condition contributing to his death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to service-connected hypertension and also denied a total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased evaluation for frostbite residuals and service connection for diabetes, peripheral vascular disease with triple bypass, arthritis, skin cancer, and bilateral cataracts due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disease secondary to tobacco use and diabetes mellitus. However, it granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury with a noncompensable rating.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for diabetes mellitus with associated conditions prior to April 28, 1997 was denied as the evidence did not show that his manifestations warranted such a rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 22, 1997 for an award of special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to lack of a valid claim before that date.

The Board denied the claim as there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of the sacroiliac joint to his death from coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's nicotine dependence acquired during service contributed to his atherosclerosis, which was the cause of his death. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the requirements due to his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus require additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions under both old and new rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to incomplete verification of his reserve duty.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus was denied as the claim was not filed within one year after separation from active duty.

The Board found the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death not well-grounded, as there was no medical evidence linking any service-connected disability to his death.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the appellant's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as these conditions were diagnosed prior to his separation from active duty. The Board concludes that they are not related to any period of active military service.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current disabilities and his service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder, left knee disorder, and diabetes mellitus are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology related to these conditions.