Diabetes decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of type II diabetes mellitus, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral diabetic neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange was granted by the RO on February 20, 2003 with an effective date of May 8, 2001. The veteran's original claim for service connection was received in June 19, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and a mood disorder, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected skin disability. The VA found no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a respiratory disorder (claimed as asbestos exposure), diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer. The reasons were that there was no demonstrated current disability or in-service event related to these conditions.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was manifested by a restricted diet and insulin, without the need for regulation of activities such as avoidance of strenuous occupational or recreational activities. The criteria for entitlement to an initial rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action, including reviewing newly obtained evidence and readjudicating the claim.

The veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding the veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for liver disease, finding that there was no evidence of fatigue, malaise, or incapacitating episodes as required for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting a VA examination to assess the severity of the veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding his ability to work and the need for further examination of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred during his service in Vietnam, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The issue of whether the veteran's osteoarthritis of the left foot is related to service remains pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notification.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and osteoarthritis of multiple joints (including the knees) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The only post-service medical records are from many years after service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.,The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is denied as there were no pending claims at the time of her husband's death.

The veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus as a residual of Agent Orange exposure during service was denied. The RO also remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial (compensable) evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes and kidney disease, which he claims are related to his military service. The VA has ordered additional development including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO found no evidence linking his conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and SSA medical records. The RO will also seek an opinion from a specialist regarding whether the service-connected Reiter's syndrome may have contributed to the veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for DM due to incomplete VCAA notice, need for additional VA treatment records, and need for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, organic brain syndrome, and hypertension as there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents during service or a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.