Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the appellant's diabetes mellitus, type II, associated with herbicide exposure is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. Erectile dysfunction and hypertension are also presumed to be related to the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of in-service exposure and the denial of a compensable rating for tinea pedis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II; service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), erectile dysfunction, and an eye condition (claimed as retinitis and cataracts); and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and loss of sexual potency requires insulin, restricted diet, and oral hypoglycemics. The Board found that the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus was granted. Service connection for symptoms claimed as residual of Agent Orange exposure was denied, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is pending.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires a rating of 20 percent, which reflects his need for insulin and a restricted diet. The VA has not found any evidence to warrant an increase in the current rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking it to service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which he claims was related to his military service. The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the lack of a medical nexus opinion.

The Board has reviewed the evidence and found no basis to allow the veteran's claim for VA compensation for diabetes mellitus. The service medical records are unavailable, but there is no objective evidence to substantiate the veteran's recollections of his medical examinations in service or his assertion that sugar was detected on testing during ACDUTRA. There is also no objective medical evidence that substantiates the veteran's contention that his diabetes mellitus was secondary to his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The cause of death listed on his certificate of death is myocardial infarction due to, or as a consequence of, congestive ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and bilateral diabetic retinopathy, as well as his claim for TDIU. The veteran's service-connected conditions are rated based on their direct effects rather than any specific exposure basis.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence did not show exposure to Agent Orange or any other herbicide agent during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying the veteran's TDY status in Vietnam. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and drug and alcohol addiction, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection was also denied for a psychiatric disorder due to lack of medical evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as it is not related to his active duty service and there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his alleged exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The case will be returned to the Board after further verification.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case will be dismissed.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded to allow for the collection of additional medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudication.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his malaria falciparum is currently noncompensable.