Diabetes decisions — 2004

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for type-II diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy, claimed as loss of eyesight, based on alleged exposure to herbicide agents during his service aboard a naval ship off the coast of Vietnam. The Board found that the appellant did not have 'service in the Republic of Vietnam' for purposes of VA compensation benefits.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's right wrist disorder with scaphoid-lunate advanced collapse, and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to his use of medications. The claim to reopen the previously denied left foot disability was not successful.

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

The Board finds that the veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits, based on his multiple nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hearing loss, and asbestos exposure. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen previous claims related to tobacco use/nicotine dependence and cold injury.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis type C due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus as a result of exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing closer to her home.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective July 9, 2001.

The veteran's service-connected conditions prevent him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional service records from the National Personnel Records Center and determining whether the veteran served in Vietnam. The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II, and depression, secondary to diabetes mellitus, Type II, will be reconsidered.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for recognition as a former prisoner-of-war status, service connection for diabetes mellitus, and service connection for venous insufficiency of both legs. The evidence did not support the veteran's assertions regarding his POW status or any current disabilities.

The veteran had qualifying service in the Republic of Vietnam during his active military service, which qualifies him for presumptive service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing the VA with information about any other treatment he received.

The veteran's claims for service connection and SMC were granted by the RO on March 27, 2001. The appellant is seeking accrued benefits based on Nehmer stipulations, but there are no accrued benefits as the effective dates of the grants precede the date of payment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a stomach disorder, as well as his request for an increased rating for hypertension. The evidence submitted since the November 2000 decision was not considered new and material to reopen these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus, service connection for PTSD and BPH/prostatitis due to herbicide exposure. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, finding no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange and no chronic disease manifestation during or after service.