Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of these conditions.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current disabilities to his service, including hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesteremia. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his receipt of a total rating and no further action is required.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate a need for regulation of activities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnoses of hypertensive vascular disease and diabetes mellitus are not related to his service, and have denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a nerves and anxiety disorder, PTSD, an enlarged heart, a stomach condition, and diabetes mellitus type II (DM), including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hypertension due to disease or injury incurred in service, and it may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim of service connection for diabetic retinopathy is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus contributes to the severity of his hypertension, and therefore secondary service connection is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gas and constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, coronary pulmonary disease, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that these conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection based on their onset during or within one year after service.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, effective November 11, 2000. The veteran's service-connected renal insufficiency is considered part of his diabetic process and thus not separately rated.

The veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further examination.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 12, 2004 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. His diabetes mellitus type II remains at a 20 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, is denied. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence was against a finding of a nexus between the current diagnosis and service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that diabetes mellitus did not have its onset in service or for many years after discharge and was not related to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board concluded that there is no competent medical evidence establishing a causal relationship between the veteran's diabetes mellitus and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that it was not related to his active service or exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied as he is not legally blind or bedridden, nor does he have any other condition that requires him to be in need of regular aid and attendance.