Diabetes decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for diabetes mellitus from 60% to 20%, effective July 1, 2000, was proper. The veteran's major depression is rated at 30%. An effective date of July 9, 1992, for total disability based on individual unemployability and an effective date of October 14, 1999, for Chapter 35 benefits have been granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability did not cause or contribute to his death, which was due to multiple unrelated conditions including cerebrovascular accident, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that the appellant's heart murmur, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerotic carotid artery disease, kidney disability, and reflux esophagitis were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of aggravation.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 (DEA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a left ankle fracture, hypertension, and PTSD due to his failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy were not incurred or aggravated in service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The veteran's cause of death was septicemia due to an infected wound in the left thigh and left arm, with diabetes as a significant condition contributing to his death. The service-connected gunshot wound to the right thigh did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disability, respiratory disability (including COPD), back disability, and diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and residuals of a right eye injury, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service and could not be presumed due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not show any treatment for diabetes during or immediately after service, and there is no medical nexus linking current diabetes to service.

The Board denied the claim, finding that the veteran's coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were not related to his in-service radiation exposure. The cause of death was determined to be myocardial infarction due to or as a consequence of coronary artery disease.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and skin cancer of the nose are presumed to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's obstructive lung disease with emphysema and bronchiectasis is granted a rating of 30 percent.

The Board finds that there is an approximate balance of the positive and negative evidence regarding the appellant's claim for service connection for heart disease. The issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus has been raised but not yet perfected by filing a timely substantive appeal.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a cardiovascular disorder, finding no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after the veteran's military service.

The VA determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for an increased rate of special monthly pension due to her need of regular aid and attendance because she is not blind or nearly blind, is not a patient in a nursing home, and has not demonstrated an inability to care for most of her daily personal needs without regular assistance of another person.

The veteran's appeal is about obtaining an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The case has been remanded to the RO due to a request for a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus and granted it, finding that the evidence established a link between high glucose readings in service and the development of diabetes after service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart murmur and granted a 60 percent rating for diabetes mellitus, finding the veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the initial 20 percent rating for DM was upheld. The veteran does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.