Diabetes decisions — 2006

The veteran needs regular assistance feeding himself, bathing, dressing, walking, and taking prescribed medication, and requires care or assistance on a regular basis for protection from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has determined that the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as it is currently treated with insulin and a restricted diet.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Type II diabetes mellitus was denied as his application was received within one year after the change in law adding it to the list of presumptive conditions.

The veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. For the period prior to February 14, 2005, he was granted a noncompensable rating for thoracic spine contusion. From February 14, 2005, he is granted a 10% rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, left ear hearing loss, hiatal hernia with Barrett's esophagus, and facial and neck scarring. The preponderance of evidence did not support higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet, but does not require regulation of activities. The Board finds that a higher initial rating is not warranted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, when combined with his education and occupational experience, are insufficient to preclude his participation in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is manifested by the need for oral hypoglycemic agents and a restricted diet. However, it does not require insulin or episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions.,The veteran has active pathology of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with corrected vision to 20/30-1, bilaterally.

The Board found that the veteran's vision loss due to optic atrophy, diabetes mellitus, bilateral cataracts, and astigmatism was not caused by VA medical care or an event reasonably foreseeable in furnishing such care. The claim is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's obesity, diabetes mellitus, and venous insufficiency. The veteran is asked to provide information about his medical treatment prior to 2000 so that VA can obtain relevant records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims, including verification of the veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and port calls in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the right and left feet, as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a disability incurred in service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death. The appellant did not meet the legal criteria for entitlement to non-service connected death pension benefits or accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete National Guard service records and a need for further medical examination. The veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to pending issues and potential interrelated conditions.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he claims was caused by exposure to herbicide agents during his tour in Korea. The case has been remanded due to the need for clarification on how the veteran was exposed to herbicides and verification of such exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as a result of exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) during active service, finding that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure and his current diabetic peripheral neuropathy is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not related to his service-connected gouty arthritis, including its treatment with Prednisone. The claim for secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of service periods and a need for further examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus remains pending.