Diabetes decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as a stomach disorder, gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis), sinusitis, and diabetes mellitus. The issues of reopening these claims were addressed.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death (congestive heart failure, generalized atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus) was not caused by or aggravated by service-connected disability. The veteran's anxiety disorder did not contribute substantially to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine if service connection can be established for a back disorder, psychiatric disorder, and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for PTSD and is considering the diabetes mellitus claim. The veteran's claims are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and VCAA compliance issues. The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and determined that new and material evidence has been presented. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus, finding that the condition was primarily manifested by mild retinopathy and insulin therapy since September 1991. The veteran's failure to adhere to a restricted diet prevented him from requiring regulation of activities.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The veteran's gout was rated at 40 percent based on its active process.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as a result of exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent for the service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective from February 2001. The issue of an increased rating for hypertension remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied claims for service connection for the cause of death, DIC benefits, and accrued benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he claimed was secondary to herbicide exposure. The denial is based on a finding that there is no direct evidence linking his diabetes to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and an increased rating for allergic rhinitis, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus claimed as due to herbicide exposure, finding no evidence of a direct relationship between the veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his death, and no further action can be taken on this matter.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure in service, specifically Agent Orange. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, claimed as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, is denied. The Board found that the veteran did not serve in Vietnam and therefore could not be presumed exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy associated with herbicide exposure is being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his Vietnam-era service. The effective date of the grant of service connection for tinnitus remains under review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for chest pain (claimed as due to reflux disease) and bilateral knee condition. The veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his military service.