Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin cancer of the lip and scalp, finding no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating of diabetes mellitus type II was denied, and the case is being remanded to verify stressors for PTSD. The veteran will be provided with additional notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board has restored the veteran's rating for diabetes mellitus from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective June 1, 2003. The reduction was not proper due to lack of improvement in the disability.

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding no new and material evidence for the back disorder claim and concluding that none of the other conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, was denied. The Board found no evidence of the required in-service exposure and concluded that his diabetes did not originate during service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions claimed as secondary to his service-connected asthma. The Board has determined that a Statement of the Case must be issued on these issues.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, finding that there was no competent evidence showing a current disability related to any of his service-connected conditions or any incident during his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing at the RO and further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the issues, including a statement from the coroner regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a higher initial evaluation, as it is currently treated and controlled with diet and exercise.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is insulin dependent and requires a restricted diet, but does not require regulation of activities. Therefore, an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The RO is instructed to take all necessary actions to locate and rebuild the original claims folder, provide proper VCAA notice, and then review the claims in light of the evidence of record.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as the earliest possible effective date is August 30, 2002.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. M., conducting VA examinations, and reviewing the claims folder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and Hepatitis C were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, including exposure to herbicides. As a result, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure is being remanded. The issue of a higher rating for tinnitus remains pending.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings had not been met, and there was no evidence of new and material information to reopen previously denied service connection claims.

The Board has decided in favor of the veteran, granting service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus as a direct result of his active service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to have been incurred due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to lack of evidence showing she requires assistance from another person.