Diabetes decisions — 2003

The veteran's heart disability is not service-connected, and his psychiatric disability appeal was never perfected. The VA has granted an increased rating for bronchial asthma to 60%, denied initial ratings in excess of 10% for diabetes mellitus prior to February 28, 1999, and denied initial ratings in excess of 20% for diabetes mellitus on and after that date.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy of the feet have been granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent, effective April 12, 2001.

The Board denied all service connection claims for various conditions, finding that none of the claimed conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury to both feet, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy and/or vascular disease involving the lower extremities. The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes, chest pain, gouty arthritis, residuals of a head injury, and hypertension were all incurred during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 26, 1995, for the grant of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The preponderance of evidence did not establish that the veteran was unemployable prior to this date.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to herbicide exposure, and increased evaluations for his bilateral foot disabilities. The case must be remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notification.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, heart disease and hypertension are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing in-service onset or exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hyperthyroidism. The evaluation for postoperative residuals of subtotal thyroidectomy remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, a left shoulder disorder, and skin irritation of the groin. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, early cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy were granted effective from July 10, 1991.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability is not secondary to his service-connected cartilage semilunar removal of right knee, and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service in Vietnam did not qualify for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence does not support a direct link between the veteran's diabetes mellitus and his military service, including any potential herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension, a laceration to the head and severe headaches, and left upper lobe granuloma as a result of exposure to herbicides are granted.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the service connection for hypertension, which may be related to or secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional examination and review.

The veteran's unconsciousness and unresponsiveness were due to a combination of his service-connected heart and diabetes problems, which qualified him for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Mercy Hospital and Rehabilitation Center from April 4 to May 22, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression and diabetes mellitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's disabilities, including coronary artery disease rated at 100%, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to having other disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus in a July 2000 rating action. The veteran was sent notice of this decision and had an opportunity to file a notice of disagreement, but no such document has been received.