Diabetes decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to service or his service-connected frostbite residuals, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board determined that diabetes mellitus and loss of sight due to diabetes mellitus are not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain and/or degenerative disc disease.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or related to any service-connected condition, and denied both the claim for service connection for the cause of death and the claim for accrued benefits.

The veteran's PTSD warrants a higher initial evaluation of 70 percent, and he is also eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The VA determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to his multiple disabilities, which he manages independently.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for death benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding that the veteran's death was not due to VA-administered medication in June 1989.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, both of which are linked to the veteran's service in Vietnam. The veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service stressor, while his diabetes mellitus is presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus with mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy does not warrant a disability rating greater than 40 percent.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as a result of exposure to herbicides was denied because the veteran did not have actual duty or visitation in the Republic of Vietnam, and his current condition is not related to military service.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus in service or within one year post-service, and denied the claim as there was no direct or presumptive service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma with episodes of bronchitis and diabetes mellitus secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), but denied his requests for earlier effective dates.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and glaucoma, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and gout, and an increased rating for sinusitis.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence submitted. The service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to have contributed substantially or materially to the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pituitary adenoma, diabetes, central nervous system damage, and impotence. The evidence did not support these claims based on direct service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living, without regular assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is more likely than not related to his duties in service, granting service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal is on remand for additional development and consideration of his claims, including the effective date for the low back disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obesity, a psychiatric disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and impotence. The evidence submitted since the August 1994 rating decision was not considered new and material to reopen any of these claims.