Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, supraglottic region, with total laryngectomy and diabetes mellitus, type II. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions warranting presumptive service connection, and that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for either condition.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a Social and Industrial Survey.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 20, 2000 for service connection for diabetes, lumbosacral strain, right and left foot polyneuropathy, and a right hand disability.

The veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure. The case is remanded to clarify the type of diabetes and its relationship to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, numbness of the hands and feet, and blurred vision due to exposure to Agent Orange in service. The appeal was dismissed as there is no reasonable possibility that any further efforts could substantiate his claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused or materially contributed to by his service-connected conditions, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus, a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus, and increased ratings for PTSD and his shrapnel wound scar. The veteran was not granted any of these requested increases in disability compensation.

The veteran's initial rating for Diabetes Mellitus, type II (DM-II) is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his diabetes requiring insulin and a restricted diet.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus requires the use of an oral hypoglycemic and a restricted diet, but does not require insulin. The Board finds that the criteria for a 20 percent initial disability rating are met.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of death due to new and material evidence. However, it was determined that the veteran's service-connected schizophrenia did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since July 9, 2001. The Board is remanding the case to determine if there are any compensable complications of diabetes mellitus that should be evaluated separately.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as there is no evidence of a disease during or within one year after service, and no medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, rhinosinusitis, and bilateral defective hearing with tympanosclerosis of the left ear. The veteran was not granted any higher ratings under VA's rating criteria.

The veteran's service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for psoriasis is also granted, with an initial evaluation of 10 percent effective October 1, 2002.

The veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain additional medical records and Social Security Administration documentation. The veteran's claims for hearing loss, paranoid schizophrenia, and type II diabetes mellitus will be reconsidered based on this new information.

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