Diabetes decisions — 2001

The RO denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and diabetes contributed to his death from lung cancer.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and rhinitis/hay fever. The decision also addressed a previous grant of service connection for rhinitis/hay fever.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes as secondary to organic brain syndrome, and assigned a 10 percent rating. It also granted service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left orbit, an injury of the left trigeminal nerve, and a postoperative subdural hematoma, all rated at 10 percent each.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for heart disease with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of in-service treatment or manifestation within one year of separation from honorable service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the validity of the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and diabetes mellitus. The RO must attempt to obtain relevant medical records, including those from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and schedule the veteran for appropriate examinations to assess his current conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was granted, and the effective date is set to May 3, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus with diabetic ketoacidosis and an increased evaluation for hypertension. The veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is controlled by diet and insulin, with no restriction of activities. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent for DM is denied.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is not service-connected and the Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of evidence showing it was caused by VA care, treatment or examination.

The veteran's disabilities render him unable to independently care for his daily personal needs on a regular basis without assistance from another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury to his lower extremities and pulmonary disorder with emphysema, as well as reopening his diabetes mellitus claim. The decision also dismissed his request for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board at the RO has been noted. The appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling such a hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, morbid obesity, diabetes and hypertension as secondary to the service-connected lumbosacral strain. The evaluation for lumbosacral strain is increased to 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nicotine dependence, diabetes and cardiovascular disease with hypertension as secondary to nicotine dependence, and PTSD. The claim for direct service connection of diabetes mellitus was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records. The diabetes mellitus claim remains pending and will also be remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than May 10, 1993 for service connection of diabetes mellitus. The RO granted service connection in January 1995 with a May 10, 1993 effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and an increased evaluation for a post-operative cholecystectomy scar. The veteran is now requesting additional development of her diabetes mellitus claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for infiltrative conjunctivitis of the left eye and service connection for a right eye disability secondary to service-connected lichen planus.