Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes, ulcers, and hiatal hernia were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his diabetes mellitus, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence did not show that the disability required insulin and a restricted diet or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show that it required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires insulin, but does not require a restricted diet or limitation of activities. The Board finds that the veteran has been properly rated for his diabetes mellitus and there is no basis for assignment of a higher rating.

The VA has granted a higher rating of 40 percent for the veteran's diabetes mellitus, which requires more than one daily insulin injection and has associated complications not compensable under the current rating criteria.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria for retroactive benefits under a liberalizing law.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus is not warranted, as the claim was received after the diagnosis and prior to the effective date based on the liberalizing regulation.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by any injury or disease incurred in service, including diabetes and heart conditions. The evidence did not support a connection between his Vietnam service and these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease as both conditions are currently rated at their maximum disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection and increased the disability rating for type II diabetes mellitus to 40 percent, but denied secondary service connection claims for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy as they are not related to the veteran's service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for diabetes mellitus in March 2002, with a 60 percent rating from January 23, 2001, and a 10 percent rating prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, finding that there was no evidence of a disease in service or within one year after service, and that exposure to Agent Orange did not result in these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the veteran with an opportunity to provide detailed information regarding his service stressors.

The Board found that the veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, Type II did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, a skin disorder, and asbestosis. The evidence did not support these claims based on current medical findings or lack of in-service disease or injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) on account of the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him permanently bedridden or unable to care for himself without regular assistance.

The veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection, and his current disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, but determined that an effective date prior to February 15, 2000 is not warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's currently claimed eye disorders, including cataracts with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, were not incurred or aggravated by active military service. The Board concluded that these conditions are more likely due to age-related processes rather than service-connected diabetes mellitus.