Diabetes decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus based on exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in this decision was dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to potential entitlement to additional death benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1310, and a need for further development of evidence regarding whether the veteran's diabetes was related to his military service.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypercontractile cardiac state, and hypertension are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective from May 1, 2000.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are dismissed due to his withdrawal of appeals. The issues regarding service connection and increased evaluations remain pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, a prostate disability, a deteriorating muscle disability, and a bone disability, all of which were not shown to be related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The veteran claims service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which developed after his military service. The VA has requested additional evidence and an examination to determine the etiology of the condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to comply with the VCAA and Quartuccio in this case, including providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The effective date was set at November 20, 2000.

The veteran claims that his diabetes mellitus developed during service. The Board finds the need for a VA opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's diabetes mellitus, as well as obtaining additional medical records.

The Board granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus as due to herbicide exposure, finding that the evidence was in equipoise regarding the type of diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and denied the claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death was not related to service-connected conditions, and denied both issues.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange during service. However, the claim will be remanded for further development of his medical records and an examination to determine the exact date of onset and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to cancer of the pancreas and diabetes mellitus, finding that neither condition was caused or contributed substantially and materially to his death.

The Board has denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, a cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, leg scars, arthritis of the neck and shoulders. The evidence does not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right perianal abscess, diabetes mellitus, arthritis of the back, and a rating in excess of zero percent for a skin disorder (claimed as scalp condition). The veteran is not entitled to these benefits.

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

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to diabetes and no exposure to herbicides. The appeal is therefore dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inability to locate service medical records and will provide another opportunity for the appellant to submit alternative evidence.