Diabetes decisions — 2007

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective January 17, 2001. The veteran's diabetes requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA and scheduling an examination. The appellant's claims are also being reviewed to ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for both diabetes mellitus and a stroke as secondary to DM. The Board found that DM was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty, nor may it be presumed due to herbicide exposure. As for the stroke claim, service connection is precluded as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed blurred vision, diagnosed as diabetic retinopathy and/or cataracts, is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to discrepancies in service records and a need for further development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disability, hypertension, and a skin disorder of the feet. The conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for type II diabetes mellitus has been denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, a skin disorder, and ganglion cysts of both wrists as the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin rash, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The veteran's service-connected acrochordon, axillae and in the groin area with tinea infection of the left knee, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis is currently rated at 10 percent, which also does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy has been withdrawn.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, but no more.,Service connection for poor heart circulation (coronary artery disease) is granted and the issue of service connection for a claimed disability manifested by poor heart circulation is dismissed as it is encompassed in the already established coronary artery disease.,The veteran's eye disability is not shown to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus service connection is denied.,Service connection for a chronic lung disorder, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD were denied by the RO. The veteran was not granted a higher rating for either condition.

The Board finds that the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 25, 1992 for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II due to presumptive exposure to herbicides is denied as there was no prior claim filed before this date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for chronic diabetes mellitus, chronic tinnitus, and chronic skin cancer of the face to include basal cell carcinoma. The veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing before a Member of the Board. The veteran and his representative will be notified of the time and date, and given adequate time to prepare.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus, a toenail disorder, or pes planus in service. The veteran's current conditions are not presumed to have been incurred during service and there is insufficient medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have diabetes mellitus that is related to his military service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.