Diabetes decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy are being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from April 1, 2004 to April 6, 2004 was denied as he did not meet the statutory requirements for payment under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and assigned an effective date of August 23, 1996. The claim for residuals of an injury to the forehead was denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing a current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to January 16, 2001 for service connection of diabetes mellitus secondary to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The appeal was also denied regarding a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection are being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a nexus opinion.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in several conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, geographic tongue, and a right wrist ganglion cyst. The claim for otitis media and externa was also withdrawn. As such, the Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his hospitalization records and current treatment status.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death and also denied basic eligibility for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to lack of evidence linking the veteran's death to his service.

The veteran's causes of death - chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus type II, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral vascular disease - are not related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death must be denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he cannot perform many daily functions unassisted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the February 1999 claim was not a service connection claim and that the change in law regarding presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus did not apply due to the one-year rule.

The Board has determined that the issue of whether a motorized scooter is necessary and appropriate for the veteran's care and treatment is a medical determination outside its jurisdiction, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have type II diabetes mellitus as a result of service or herbicide exposure, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran's service-connected rheumatic heart disease caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has granted a rating of 60 percent for the service-connected diabetes mellitus, which is the highest available rating under VA's rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for secondary service connection are denied as there is no evidence of record showing that his claimed conditions were aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's appeal of his claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, and automobile and adaptive equipment to accommodate service-connected disabilities is being held in abeyance until the RO adjudicates his pending increased rating and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities with severe edema in his legs making it difficult for him to care for his children. The criteria for a 40 percent rating are met.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II was granted a 40 percent disability rating effective August 25, 2005. His peripheral neuropathy and arteriosclerotic vascular disease of the lower extremities were each increased to 20 percent ratings effective October 8, 2002 and February 12, 2003 respectively. The veteran's erectile dysfunction was granted special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ effective May 8, 2001.