Diabetes decisions — 2006

The veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to a verified in-service stressor. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin disability, both claimed as residuals of exposure to Agent Orange, are denied because the evidence does not show such conditions were incurred during or aggravated by service. The claim for hearing loss was previously denied but new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and considering all evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his service and the condition. The Board also noted that the veteran did not have service in Vietnam or any other location where herbicide exposure could be presumed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after his military service.

The veteran's claims for psychiatric disability, back disability, and transverse myelitis were denied as there is no evidence of service connection or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on insulin use or dietary restrictions. The veteran's activities are limited by other conditions such as degenerative joint disease and neuropathy.

Service connection granted for hypertension with an effective date of January 24, 2003.

The Board found that the cause of death was not related to service-connected conditions, and denied all claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for VA examinations and the need for additional VCAA notice.

The Board finds that the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 26, 2002 for the grant of Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) cannot be granted as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for TDIU at any time before June 26, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service in Korea raises a doubt as to exposure to dioxin spraying in the area of the DMZ, and it is also likely that he had brief service in Vietnam which collaterally presumes his exposure to Agent Orange. The aggregate credible evidence of record raises a doubt as to a causal relationship between Agent Orange exposure in service and the veteran's subsequent development of diabetes mellitus, Type II.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for type-2 diabetes mellitus or an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The veteran's claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support the diagnoses and a lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 40 percent disabling from January 2, 2003. His erectile dysfunction secondary to the diabetes mellitus is also rated as noncompensable.

The veteran has withdrawn his claim for special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of the left foot due to diabetes mellitus, and the appeal is dismissed.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant under 38 U.S.C. § 2101.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hiatus hernia with reflux and vascular calcification of abdomen, urethritis, squamous papilloma (claimed as nose cancer), headaches, hemorrhoids, ankle and leg weakness, neck pain, hypertension, heart disability, diabetes mellitus, and multiple cancers. However, the claims are not granted due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident thereof.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypercholesterolemia, and granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus. The effective date remains to be determined.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her disabilities, which do not render her unable to care for most of her daily needs without requiring A&A.