Diabetes decisions — 2007

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy is currently rated at 60 percent, effective from November 1992. The initial increased rating for CAD and the increase in the effective date of service connection are granted.

The veteran's diabetes was manageable by restricted diet only for the period from March 10, 2002 to July 27, 2003. Since July 28, 2003, his diabetes has required an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet but not regulation of activities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral foot disability. The decision on the bilateral hearing loss claim is due to lack of evidence of current hearing impairment, while the issue of service connection for the bilateral foot disability remains pending.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that diabetes mellitus, type II did not contribute to his death from hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and increased ratings for bilateral foot disabilities were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the veteran's current conditions to his military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an opinion on whether service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed substantially or materially to cause the veteran's death. The dependent's educational assistance claim is also affected by this decision.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus type II or cardiovascular disorder in service and denied the claims based on lack of a nexus to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on being in need of aid and attendance or being housebound, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis was denied due to lack of evidence of the condition. The veteran's need for aid and attendance was granted, with a special monthly pension rate based on his physical limitations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities, and PTSD have been denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus was denied by the Board, as there is no evidence that he filed a specific claim prior to May 8, 2001.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The case will be returned to the Board after any indicated development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple joint pain (including as due to an undiagnosed illness), hysterectomy, and diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine if hypertension is secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no evidence of PTSD and denied service connection for the other conditions. The heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory condition were not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective February 20, 2003, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have diabetes mellitus due to service, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claim is denied.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, watery stools associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and diabetic retinopathy have been denied. The veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for PTSD since January 2, 2004.