Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for chronic Type II diabetes mellitus, claimed as the result of Agent Orange exposure, is denied. The evidence does not establish that the veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam and there is no objective evidence to support a presumption of herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diverticulitis, kidney stones, arthritis, and an enlarged liver. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), diabetes mellitus, and a presumed eye condition due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim for residuals of asbestos exposure is being remanded.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of occupational or recreational activities. The disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's Type I diabetes was not incurred in or related to active service, nor is it related to exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it did not require regulation of activities or episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization.

The Board has granted the veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, but found that an earlier effective date than May 8, 2001 is not warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, pituitary macroadenoma and prolactinoma (claimed as brain tumor), a hip disorder, circulation problems of the bilateral lower extremities, and bilateral ankle swelling due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to COPD/respiratory failure, and also granted accrued benefits for COPD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a dental disability secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his diabetes mellitus. The veteran was not granted any new ratings or benefits.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the veteran's diabetes mellitus, with peripheral neuropathy and pre-proliferative retinopathy, effective from the date of the claim.

The Board found no evidence of actual radiation exposure during service, and thus could not establish service connection for the claimed conditions based on ionizing radiation. The Board also determined that there was insufficient medical evidence to link any current disabilities to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of current disability and noting that the condition was not shown to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to his service, including any exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the July 2005 rating decision severing service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was not proper and restored the veteran's entitlement to this benefit.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and did not address the other issues as they are not related to service connection.

The Board finds that the veteran does not currently have an ear disorder, Type II diabetes, a sinus disorder, or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to his service in Vietnam, and he has been granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, skin cancer (including Bowen's disease of the penis and probable squamous cell carcinoma of the left hand), and lupus with disorders of the chest, back, legs, and feet due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for increased rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for hypertension, and service connection for an eye disorder are denied.