Diabetes decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death is not related to any injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active service, including his service-connected inactive tuberculosis.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to inadequate examination and incomplete evidence. The VBA AMC must ensure all necessary development has been completed, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a special endocrinological examination.

The veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to all issues on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of the disorder. The claim for diabetes mellitus secondary to Agent Orange exposure was granted, but the rating assigned and effective date are not specified.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue and sensory peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board finds that the veteran's right eye disability is a result of VA medical treatment, and thus grants compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including morning reports and unit history from official sources.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's diabetes mellitus, as it may be related to herbicide exposure during service.

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

The VA denied a request for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, which has been in effect since February 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and denied DIC benefits.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the type of diabetes mellitus he suffers from.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The effective date for PTSD service connection was granted retroactively to February 22, 2002, and the initial disability evaluation for PTSD was increased to 50 percent from May 31, 2003.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for symptoms claimed as residuals of undiagnosed illnesses is precluded by law. The claims for higher initial ratings are granted.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death (Intra Cerebral Bleed due to Arteroslerotic Hypertension and Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) was not caused by or substantially related to his active duty service. The claim for accrued benefits was also denied as it was filed more than a year after the veteran's death.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus with hypertension, which he claims is secondary to herbicide exposure. The claim has been remanded due to the need for additional development and notification.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and assigned a 40 percent evaluation effective July 9, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran did not have diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure, and there is no evidence linking any of his conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his lung cancer and related conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied entitlement to special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person, as well as at the housebound rate. The appellant's disabilities do not meet the criteria for these benefits.