Diabetes decisions — 2005

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, and Impotence, as well as PTSD. The initial rating of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus was maintained.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides and no in-service manifestation or diagnosis of diabetes. The Board concluded that service connection could not be granted as a presumptive condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar laminectomy residuals warrant a schedular rating of 60 percent, effective from September 23, 2002.

The Board has ordered the VA to locate missing service medical records for the veteran's period of active duty from May 1968 to December 1969. The case will be remanded for a de novo review and further development.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and assistance due to his disabilities.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a combined rating of at least 60 percent, which is required to establish entitlement to non-service-connected pension benefits.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background. Therefore, a total rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The veteran's appeal for pension benefits prior to October 12, 2001 has been withdrawn. The remaining service connection issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran's original claim for service connection for diabetes was denied in August 1982. New evidence received after the decision became final demonstrated that the veteran had diabetes during his military service, and thus he is now entitled to an effective date of December 21, 1981.

The Board found that the veteran's bladder cancer is not related to his service in Vietnam, and denied his claim for diabetes mellitus due to exposure to herbicide agents. The case is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding the veteran's alleged exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disorder and skin rash.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension did not manifest during his active military service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his service. The Board also found no presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure or other factors.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the issues of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus and hearing loss disability for accrued purposes due to the appellant's withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has denied all service connection claims as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or association with service for any claimed conditions.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for a right eye cyst, left leg condition, back pain, left testicle condition, groin pain, skin rash, burn scars of the hands, diabetes mellitus and headaches. The appeal regarding PTSD remains.

The veteran's initial evaluations for PTSD, malaria, and diabetes mellitus were granted. However, the RO found that an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is not warranted due to his current treatment regimen.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, which he claims is secondary to herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated during service and denied his claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus with bilateral diabetic retinopathy and erectile dysfunction is being remanded to the RO for additional review of new evidence.