Diabetes decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease, all claimed as a result of exposure to Agent Orange herbicide. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing the veteran served within the boundaries of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen claims for service connection for lung disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, and residuals of fractures of the fourth and fifth digits of the right hand. The claim for diabetes mellitus was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus was granted, but the RO assigned a 20 percent evaluation which is already in place as of January 16, 2001.

The veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and dependency and indemnity compensation is denied under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1310.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic psychiatric disorder, chronic liver disorder, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The veteran's claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus, Type II was granted effective July 9, 2001. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of his claim on November 24, 2000. His claim for an increased evaluation remains pending.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus has been granted, with the current evaluation of 20 percent effective November 20, 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent disability rating. However, the appellant's total unemployability claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension that he believes is secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. However, the evidence does not support a diagnosis of hypertension prior to or concurrent with his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus had its onset during his period of active duty and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the pancreatitis claim. The Board also determined that diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus (to include as due to exposure to herbicides) are also pending.

The VA denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, concluding that his service-connected psychosis did not contribute substantially or materially to his death. The primary causes were end stage congestive cardiomyopathy and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to exposure to acoustic trauma in service. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at the highest schedular rating available, which is 70 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, arthritis, leg cramps, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disability. The decision is final as to the low back disability claim since new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, presumed to be service-connected due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, caused his death. As a result, the claim for DIC benefits is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus Type II, finding that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for cardiovascular disease and granted it. The decision also addressed his claim for diabetes mellitus, but did not specify a rating or effective date.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for bladder cancer due to herbicide exposure. The denial is based on insufficient evidence provided by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, which may be presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board found that this condition contributed substantially and materially to the cause of death.