Diabetes decisions — 2004

The veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain his military personnel file from the National Personnel Records Center.

The Board found that the veteran's colon cancer and diabetes mellitus were not service-connected, and thus did not cause his death. The claim for accrued benefits was also denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding that he currently requires only a restricted diet and oral hypoglycemic insulin medication without any need for regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and requests for additional information from the veteran.

The veteran's initial evaluations for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral hearing loss were denied as his conditions do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the appellant's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide exposure, and also found that the veteran's active duty included service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. The claim for a bilateral knee disability is pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and determine whether he has erectile dysfunction or skin lesions related to this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence linking his current diagnosis to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including associated conditions such as heart attack, kidney condition, and eye/vision condition, due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causative factors.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, a low back disorder, and dental injury from trauma. The veteran's current disabilities are recognized as service-connected.

The Board cannot yet decide the claim for PTSD due to insufficient evidence. The claim for service connection for diabetes is denied as there is no indication of its onset during or within one year after service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus warrants a rating of 20 percent, as it requires insulin and a restricted diet but does not restrict his activities.

The Board denied the appellant's application for DIC based on her daughter not meeting the criteria for being a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age 18.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not shown to have been present in service or for many years thereafter, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic retinopathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, but denied service connection for left eye HSV keratitis.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The veteran's diabetes was diagnosed in the early 1990s, but there is no indication it was caused by herbicide or pesticide exposure during his military service.