Diabetes decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be productive of a disability picture that precludes him from securing and following some form of substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and work experience.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, finding that there was no evidence of penis deformity. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were granted, with the effective date set at May 8, 2001, based on a change in law regarding service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this degree of aggravation.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for secondary service connection to a service-connected disability were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is manifested by no more than the requirement for insulin and restricted diet, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The veteran was denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeals regarding service connection for chronic back pain, alopecia areata, and hypertension due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, asbestos related lung disease, and bronchitis. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain VA records, provide VCAA notice, and arrange for a supplemental opinion from the November 2005 examiner.

The Board found that the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure must be denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, insomnia, and anxiety) are pending.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with hypertension and diabetic nephropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, which remains unchanged. The effective date for service connection of these conditions has not been changed.

The veteran's diabetes requires a controlled diet and insulin, but his activities are not regulated by medical professionals in managing the condition. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The veteran's surviving spouse is appealing several accrued benefits claims related to various conditions, including colitis, diabetic retinopathy, hepatitis C, thyroid disorder, and cardiovascular disorder. The appeal is currently in remand status due to inadequate VCAA notification.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and left orchialgia (claimed as testicle pain) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident therein, including exposure to chemicals.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death due to diabetes mellitus, which was presumed to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also found that the veteran's coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction were substantially contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by Hepatitis C, which he contracted as a result of receiving blood transfusions during service. The appellant is granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and her DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed due to the mootness of the issue.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied. The RO found that his conditions did not warrant higher initial or staged ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, both presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange in service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including back injuries, leg and ankle injuries, knee injuries, hypertension, multiple joint pain, stomach disorders, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence submitted since the March 2003 decision is not new and material.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have lichen planus, and his current skin condition is nummular eczema. The hearing loss disability issue was previously resolved in favor of the veteran. Service connection for hypertension and vitiligo are being remanded. No service connection granted.