Diabetes decisions — 2007

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 8, 2001 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The effective date is based on liberalizing legislation that allowed presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure starting from May 8, 2001.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and TDIU are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of his service-connected disabilities and the impact on employment.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his case.

The Board has granted a 50% evaluation for the veteran's service-connected headaches and found that he is entitled to this higher rating. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus was also granted, as there is current evidence of the condition. However, the issue regarding residuals of right neck and shoulder injury remains pending due to new evidence submitted.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before a decision could be made.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as it is not shown to be related to his active military service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice. The claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment and ruled against the appellant.

The Board denied all the veteran's claims for service connection, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link between any claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as it is currently controlled with medication and diet without requiring any restrictions or complications.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, a blood disorder, and paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with sciatica pain to both lower extremities, arthritis, and anxiety disorder. The veteran's service connection claim for these conditions was decided on the merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, with mild peripheral neuropathy and hypertensive vascular disease is being remanded to obtain additional development including medical examinations.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred in June 2004 was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency care and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was granted effective from April 1, 2005. The RO also granted service connection for PTSD effective from March 30, 2005. However, the veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for either condition.

The veteran's claim for certificates of eligibility for specially adapted housing and earlier effective dates for service connection and SMC based on housebound status has been granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus (with hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, rectal abscess, retinopathy, and renal insufficiency) is being remanded due to outstanding Federal records and private medical records.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a digestive system disorder, including GERD and PUD, has been reopened. However, the evidence does not establish that his current psychiatric disorder is related to service.,Service connection cannot be established for diabetes mellitus as there was no in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The low back condition and bilateral knee condition have also not been shown to be related to service.