Diabetes decisions — 2007

The veteran's initial evaluation for type II diabetes mellitus is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The VA determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus requires a restricted diet and insulin injections twice daily, warranting a 20% disability rating. The evidence did not show any need for regulation of activities.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during the veteran's Vietnam-era service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for primary open angle glaucoma, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a link between the veteran's glaucoma and his military service or his service-connected diabetes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The VA examiner found that the veteran does not have diabetic retinopathy and concluded that any current eye disorders are not related to his active duty service or his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's breathing problems were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied his claims for increased ratings of left knee condition and PTSD.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed disabilities due to lack of exposure to herbicides in service.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's claim for accrued benefits related to the veteran's service connection claim for liver cancer. The claim for an increased rating for diabetes was denied as there is no evidence showing that medical professionals advised the veteran to regulate his activities due to the diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if service-connected conditions contributed to the veteran's death.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not constitute an employment handicap, and therefore he is not entitled to vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board found that diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied the claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation under provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(m) because his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria outlined in the provision.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death, and thus no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claim.

The veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with retinopathy is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects the need for insulin and a restricted diet. The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right foot (10%) and left foot (10%) are also in place.

The Board has denied all service connection claims as there is no evidence of any claimed conditions during or within one year after service, and the nexus opinions are against a link to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records to determine the current severity of his diabetes mellitus, including any associated disabilities such as neuropathy and erectile dysfunction.

The veteran died in July 2005 from gall bladder cancer. The Board found no evidence linking the cause of death to service.

The VA has granted service connection for the veteran's impotence secondary to his diabetes mellitus, but assigned a zero percent rating as there is no evidence of penile deformity.