Diabetes decisions — 2005

The veteran claims service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he believes is due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service. The VA has requested additional information from the Navy regarding the USS Ticonderoga's deployment in Vietnam and will determine if the veteran was exposed to Agent Orange.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 31, 1987 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus and its secondary complications due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and gout with postoperative arthrodesis of the left great toe, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by active service and are not related to nicotine dependence acquired during service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus disabilities are found to be sufficient for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a liver disability, diagnosed as hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, or skin disability of the head and feet due to service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gout, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis of the arms and legs as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and the retrieval of outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type 2, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not related to any incident therein. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right shoulder, dermatitis (claimed as a skin rash), and vision condition secondary to diabetes mellitus have all been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's right leg disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and breast cancer were not related to VA treatment. The preponderance of evidence indicated these conditions did not result from the steroid use in 1996.

The veteran's disabilities, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or housebound.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and ensuring compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his personnel records and providing him with a VA examination. The issues of service connection for various conditions are also being addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a diabetic disorder, including diabetes mellitus, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and that the current condition is due to pancreatitis secondary to alcoholism.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate regular aid and attendance, qualifying him for special monthly compensation on account of need for aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for permanent housebound status.

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

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, finding that his condition did not require a restriction in physical activities due to diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and theories of causation submitted after the appeal was certified, including exposure to mustard gas during service. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death remains under review.