Diabetes decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or depression to his service-connected conditions or to exposure to herbicides. As such, the claims for secondary service connection are denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his service-connected diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, including the impact of recent lab results and whether an extra-schedular rating is warranted.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. However, the earlier effective date claim for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of prior decision before May 3, 1989.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure), and hepatitis B. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service injuries or exposures related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus requires twice daily insulin injections, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of complications. The hypertension claim was reopened based on new evidence.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's hypertension, hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus to his service and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury, chest pain initially claimed as a heart condition, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since February 2001, and the Board finds that a higher initial rating is not warranted prior to June 24, 2005. For the period from June 24, 2005 onward, the Board also denies an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus need further examination and development. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records, review the veteran's claims file by the examiners who provided the May and June 2003 VA examinations, and provide an addendum addressing whether the veteran's conditions are related to service or within one year of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and residuals of a hysterectomy. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to her military service or herbicide exposure.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The most recent medical evidence shows that while he requires insulin injections and a restricted diet, he does not require regulation of activities such as avoiding strenuous occupational or recreational activities.

The veteran's overpayment of VA improved pension benefits is being reviewed due to potential errors in calculation. The Committee on Waivers and Compromises has denied the request for a waiver, but further review is needed to determine if the debt was properly created.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, which was caused by his in-service exposure to herbicides, substantially contributed to his death. The claim for accrued benefits is remanded as it needs a statement of the case and proper appellate process.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy does not warrant a higher rating as it is currently managed on diet and oral agents, without requiring regulation of activities. The initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities are also denied as they do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to exposure to herbicides, including diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his condition does not warrant a 60 percent evaluation due to lack of episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations or frequent visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to ensure compliance with the VCAA. The veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and/or diabetes mellitus is being reviewed, along with his claim for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disability, residuals of frostbite to the hands and feet, or diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and medical records that may support the veteran's claims.