Diabetes decisions — 2008

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II due to exposure to Agent Orange. The earliest the claim could be granted is June 12, 1991.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma is service-connected, as it began during his military service. The diabetes and heart disease are not found to be directly related to service or secondary to asthma medication.

The veteran's incarceration for a felony conviction has resulted in the termination of his pension benefits, and as a result, the apportionment to his minor child was reduced. The Board finds that the current apportionment is appropriate given the circumstances.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are separately rated at 10 percent. The RO increased these ratings to 40 percent effective May 4, 2007. The veteran's PTSD remains at initial evaluations greater than 30 percent for the first period and greater than 50 percent from June 28, 2004 onwards.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal involves disagreement with the initial 20 percent disability rating assigned for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with associated complications. The Board has remanded the case to allow for further development and consideration of whether a higher rating is warranted on an extra-schedular basis.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is related to exposure to herbicides, has been remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death (myocardial infarction) was not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking diabetes or cardiovascular disorders to service.

The Board is remanding the case for further development to verify the veteran's service in Vietnam and his participation in specific campaigns.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the appellant meets the criteria for special monthly death pension based on need for regular aid and attendance (A&A), and providing proper VCAA notice regarding her income limitations.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied both the cause of death claim and the DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as a result of in-service exposure to herbicides/Agent Orange. The veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II is established and his time spent in Vietnam during active duty is presumed due to the presence of herbicide exposure.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure has been dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic nephropathy and presbyopia were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the Board found that they are not related to his service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's chronic lumbrosacral strain myostitis, major depression, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), status post left wrist fracture, status post right wrist facture, and left knee osteoarthritis prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for cold injury to the feet, finding that the veteran's symptoms are manifestations of the residuals of a cold injury sustained in service.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and attempting to locate service medical records. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and his death. The accrued benefits claim for PTSD is also being remanded.