Diabetes decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for residuals of CVA, left upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities have been denied. His diabetes mellitus has been granted an initial rating of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The appellant's claim of entitlement to an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, neurogenic bladder, erectile dysfunction, and service connection for diabetic retinopathy. The decision also addressed an issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The veteran is seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected left eye condition and other disabilities. The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, which was due to Agent Orange exposure during service, contributed substantially or materially to his death from arteriosclerotic heart disease. As a result, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus requires a higher evaluation from January 28, 2002. However, the issue of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder remains in appellate status.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, effective August 2003. The claim for service connection for psoriasis has been granted and reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a VA diabetes mellitus examination and readjudicating the issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, as well as his requests for increased ratings for residuals of bilateral quadriceps muscle tears. The appeals are remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of Vietnam service and a remote onset of the condition after discharge from active duty.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and there is no evidence of qualifying chronic disabilities for presumptive service connection. The claim for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is not service-connected, but they have ordered a remand to provide another VA examination and correct VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claims, including a VA medical examination for his service connection and TDIU claims.

The Board has determined that the evidence supports granting service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty and obtain medical opinions regarding whether his condition began or worsened during those periods.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was not incurred or aggravated by service, and there is no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for presumptive service connection based on Vietnam service is denied.

The veteran's atherosclerotic heart disease warrants a 60 percent disability rating, effective July 29, 1994. The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, also effective from July 29, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, enlarged prostate disorder, and urinary tract disorder are not related to his active service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for additional monthly DIC pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1311(a)(2) because the veteran was not service connected for any disability at the time of his death and did not file a claim for service connection during his lifetime.