Diabetes decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, bilateral pes planus, and diabetes mellitus, contribute to his need for regular aid and attendance. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since July 1984 was not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The VA is also required to review the issue of increased ratings for shell fragment wound to the left foot and hepatitis.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as new and material evidence was not submitted, despite the veteran's assertions.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently manifested by use of insulin pump therapy and a restricted diet, regulation of activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year. The evaluation for diabetes mellitus has been increased to 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities, which qualifies her for special monthly pension based on this need.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The left knee disability and bilateral pes planus were also denied as there is no evidence of their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved medical questions and a need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from Dr. D.L.C.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and granted it, finding new and material evidence. The case is now remanded to determine if the condition is related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as not well grounded. The RO granted service connection for PTSD in January 1999, and the veteran subsequently filed claims for a stomach ulcer disorder as secondary to PTSD; diabetes mellitus as secondary to his stomach ulcer disorder.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, resulting in a denial.

The Board found that the veteran's current diabetes mellitus was not present during service or for many years thereafter, and it was not caused by any incident of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The veteran's request for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) is inextricably intertwined with his claims for service connection for various disabilities. The appeal of eligibility for RH is held in abeyance pending resolution of the service connection claims.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with resultant amputation of the left great toe and numbness of the bilateral lower extremities is not considered to be a result of VA treatment or failure to diagnose and treat his condition in a timely manner.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, finding that he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to perform daily activities and manage finances.

The veteran's claim to have an effective date earlier than January 30, 1979 for service connection of diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits was properly created and denied the veteran's claim for waiver of recovery.

The veteran's application for special monthly pension on account of need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied due to the absence of a single permanent disability rated at 100%.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which was previously denied in May 1978. The case is now remanded for further development.