Diabetes decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus were denied as there is no medical evidence linking the conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury, and the presumption of herbicide exposure does not apply due to lack of actual service in Vietnam.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his diabetes mellitus and knee disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange or methylacetoacetate. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current eye disability other than blepharitis and noting that diabetic retinopathy or cataracts were not related to his diabetes.

The veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus requires treatment with insulin and a restricted diet, but does not require regulation of activities. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on September 5, 2003 for emergency treatment were approved as the condition was deemed to be of such a nature that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus should be October 16, 2000, as this is the earliest date on which a claim was received by VA. The veteran's entitlement to service connection arose no earlier than April 1997.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims of service connection for pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. The case will be remanded to the Houston RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and finds that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is secondary to his hepatitis C. The issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to hepatitis C is remanded.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral vascular disease due to lack of verified in-service stressor for PTSD, absence of a diagnosis for diabetic retinopathy or peripheral vascular disease during service or subsequent thereto, and failure to meet criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, effective May 28, 2003. From that date, separate 10 percent ratings are granted for neuropathy of each foot.

The veteran claims service connection for diabetes mellitus, secondary to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The VA is required to verify the veteran's claimed in-country service and will conduct further searches of government records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left knee disability, and back disability. The claim for right knee disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The dental disability claim was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or due to active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to outstanding development needs.

The veteran's death was not caused or materially contributed to by his service-connected disability, and the significant conditions contributing to his death were unrelated to his military service.