Diabetes decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus, currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted based on his need for insulin and restricted diet.,For peripheral neuropathy of the right leg and left leg, the current 10 percent ratings are increased to 30 percent.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between the condition and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and diabetes mellitus type II as they were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The Board found that there was no nexus between these conditions and his time in Vietnam.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or that any claimed conditions are related to service.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, effective August 30, 2002. The earlier effective date for his service-connected prostate cancer was granted on the same day.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rectal cancer, coronary artery disease (CAD), and degenerative joint diseases of the left and right knees. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty service or to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD effective November 30, 2005. The veteran's other claims are remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is service connected due to his presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertriglyceridemia was denied as the condition is not a disability under VA laws and regulations. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability, in-service occurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury, or medical nexus between an in-service disease or injury and the current disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide exposure and diabetic eye disease complications is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent from May 8, 2001 through October 10, 2006; and 20 percent since October 11, 2006. Erectile dysfunction is not service-connected.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher schedular evaluations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and keloids, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to Agent Orange and noting that the earliest post-service medical records showing a diagnosis of diabetes were from many years after separation. The Board also found that the veteran did not have diabetes during service or within one year thereafter.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development due to the need for updated medical evidence.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the claimed diabetes, skin cancer, and scars of the chest. The veteran's claims were denied.

The veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents in Vietnam, but the type of diabetes he has (Type I or Type II) needs to be determined for service connection.