Diabetes decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, basal cell carcinoma of the right ear, and squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip. The denial is based on a finding that there was no exposure to herbicides during service and no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or due to active service and may not be presumed related to herbicide exposure. The claim for PTSD is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, with significant occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's service on board a destroyer off the coast of Vietnam does not constitute 'service in the Republic of Vietnam' for purposes of VA regulations, and therefore he is not presumed to have incurred or aggravated his diabetes by his service or exposure to an herbicide agent during such service.

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance (RH) was denied due to his obesity and chronic polyarthritis, which exceeded the maximum allowable number of 'debits'. The case is being remanded to adjudicate secondary service connection claims.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility for dependent's educational assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38 United States Code.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied due to his current disabilities not meeting the criteria for such benefits.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied, but he is now receiving a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.,The effective dates for the grants of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and diabetes mellitus are November 9, 1998, and January 6, 1992 respectively.

The Board found that the veteran does not have diabetes mellitus and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to by, a disability incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not insulin dependent and is controlled through oral medication and restricted diet. His activities are unrestricted, there is no evidence of progressive weight loss or episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reaction requiring hospitalization within the relevant rating period.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, heart disease secondary to diabetes, and eye disorder secondary to diabetes. The medical evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, and arthritis of the left hand. The evidence did not support granting higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and post-operative residuals of obstructive diverticuli, finding that the veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and eligibility for dependents' educational assistance, finding that neither condition was related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus, finding that the veteran's condition did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected Type 2 diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that his disability warranted a 40 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, a neck disorder, and skin disorders, were denied as there was no evidence of in-service injury or exposure to herbicides. The diagnoses provided by the medical records did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to provide a VA examination and obtain all pertinent medical records.