Diabetes decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disorder, a pancreas disorder, and a liver disorder (including Hepatitis C). The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is aggravated by the pancreatitis. Hypercholesterolemia, hypokalemia, and diverticulosis are not shown to be separate disabilities or currently present. Depression was not caused or aggravated by the pancreatitis. The veteran's current rating for pancreatitis remains at 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the intertwined issues of entitlement to an extension of educational assistance under Chapter 30 and Chapter 31, Title 38 United States Code based on serious employment handicap due to service-connected disabilities. The VBA AMC must adjudicate these issues and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board found that the veteran's death was due to diabetes and its complications, including renal failure and coronary artery disease. These conditions were not caused by service-connected residuals of a pleural cavity injury.

The veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was denied as there was no medical evidence linking the condition to his active military service. The appeal is not about service connection for PTSD or Hodgkin's disease.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for PTSD and a disability of the eyes, finding that there was no new evidence to reopen the claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that it did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Board denied service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, choledochocystolithiasis, arthritis, a kidney disorder, and poor vision for accrued benefits purposes.,The claim for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis was previously denied in 1967 but reopened with new evidence showing the condition was incurred within three years of service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and its residuals for purposes of accrued benefits due to lack of a pending claim at the time of the veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a more comprehensive VCAA notification letter.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, diabetic gastroparesis, and impotence have been granted increased ratings with a 100% evaluation for diabetes mellitus effective February 25, 2004.

The veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and a kidney disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have PTSD and his diabetes mellitus is controlled by a restricted diet. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, as there was no diagnosis of PTSD. The claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was also denied due to lack of evidence showing it requires insulin therapy or other specific treatment.

The veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange. The claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of this level.,The residuals from a shell fragment wound to the right arm are not manifested by symptoms warranting a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, currently meets the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation.

The veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected, and his diabetes mellitus continues to warrant a 40 percent rating.