Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of dental surgery involving the left mandible. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are denied as there is no current diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus as being due to exposure to herbicides has been dismissed because the veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's death was caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, and there is no indication of exposure to Agent Orange. The cause of death was determined to be metastatic anaplastic carcinoma.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, finding that the veteran did not have a current diagnosis of either condition. The claim was also denied on the basis that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor related to PTSD.

The veteran's initial grant of service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with a disability evaluation of 20 percent is denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating due to the need for insulin and restricted diet alone.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service trauma or aggravation, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any condition was aggravated by service.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, finding that the veteran's condition is moderate and treated with oral hypoglycemics, insulin, and a restricted diet without requiring restriction or regulation of activities.

The Board found that the veteran's current right ankle disorder is related to his in-service injury, and granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The Board also found no evidence linking the peripheral neuropathy to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, which is one of the bases for establishing entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. The claim of entitlement to educational assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 will be considered on this basis.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found no evidence of service connection due to exposure to herbicides or duty in Vietnam, and the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not shown to be related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further review of new evidence submitted since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II but denied it on the merits.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service and did not arise from exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that there was no evidence of direct causation and noting that the diagnosis was not within one year post-service. The Board also found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have resulted from his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. The petition to reopen a claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder was denied as no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has found that service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the feet is not warranted, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or secondary to diabetes.