Diabetes decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is incurred in or aggravated by active service as a result of herbicide exposure in service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims for service connection. The tinea pedis was rated as noncompensable under the old criteria.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD and denied the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart condition. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and suspiciousness without more severe manifestations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of kidney stones, pancreatitis, type II diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease related to his military service. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the eligibility criteria for dependents' educational assistance under Chapter 35.

The veteran died of coronary artery disease, and the cause of death is attributed to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus with congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, and kidney transplant, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increase in a 10 percent rating for postoperative residuals of gynecomastia and service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral gout is primarily characterized by tenderness of the proximal great toes and does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further review by a Veterans Service Center Manager or Decision Review Officer, and for scheduling of a hearing at the Roanoke, Virginia, RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a disability rating greater than 20 percent, as it currently requires insulin and a restricted diet without additional symptoms or complications.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death, and the Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking his terminal illness of sepsis and pneumonia to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations and the release of private treatment records.

The Board found that the appellant's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence of exposure to mustard gas and other chemical/biological agents during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining service medical records and VA examinations to determine the etiology of the veteran's diabetes mellitus and heart condition.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus during service or for many years thereafter, and the veteran did not have duty or visitation in the Republic of Vietnam. Therefore, presumptive service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2 and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran seeks service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, which he claims is due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete medical records and will consider all claims raised by the evidence, including theories of entitlement not previously considered.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability. The Board denied the claims for service connection for the cause of death, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and Dependents' Educational Assistance.