Diabetes decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and tinnitus. The evidence did not support a finding that the veteran had either condition or that they were related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot infection and scars of the upper lip and face were denied as there was no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an in-service injury or exposure. The Board found that his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and variously diagnosed cardiovascular disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year post-service. The Board also found that there is insufficient medical evidence to link these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that the veteran did not have actual exposure to herbicides in Vietnam or evidence of chronic conditions within one year post-service. The claim was also not granted on a direct basis due to lack of medical evidence linking current diagnoses to military service.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of in-country Vietnam service and thus no presumption of exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also found no current medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritic changes of the acromioclavicular joint with associated impingement involving the left shoulder and for an increased rating for his recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder. The RO granted service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to hepatitis C, but did not grant a higher initial rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension with bilateral PVD, and coronary artery disease.

The appeal for an effective date prior to September 21, 2000 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating. The initial ratings for both conditions have been granted.

The Board found that the appellant is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to her ability to feed, dress, bathe herself and walk without assistance. The evidence did not establish a need for regular assistance from another person.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his conditions do not include loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision, nor does he have ankylosis of the knees or hips.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of qualifying disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an immature personality disorder, panic disorder with adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chloracne of the hands and face, and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure are all denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year of service. The veteran's claims for left knee disorder and bone spurs of the heels were withdrawn prior to a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination. The veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, and diabetes mellitus are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current eye disability, including diabetic retinopathy, is not due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2 or any event in service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board found no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange and concluded that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and diabetic retinopathy. The veteran did not have military service in Vietnam or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's service connection for the cause of death due to coronary artery disease is being remanded as there are questions about his exposure to herbicides and whether he qualifies for the presumptive provisions.