Diabetes decisions — 2008

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for diabetes mellitus, Type 2. The right knee disability issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension and vision problems, both claimed as secondary to his diabetes.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain private and VA treatment records, as well as any other relevant evidence. The case will be remanded for further development.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his diabetes mellitus, finding that he does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent since October 20, 2006.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis C and a skin rash at his June 2008 Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left shoulder disability and depression, finding that these conditions are related to his active duty service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was not addressed due to lack of evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his claims for increased evaluations for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II have been dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service connected and lacks legal merit due to a lack of evidence showing it was incurred during his military service or related to any service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA treatment, and thus denied his claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to her medical conditions, as she is able to perform many daily activities without assistance.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination. The claims of service connection for depression with anxiety, type II diabetes mellitus, and esophageal stricture are being reviewed.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, and hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and afford the veteran a VA examination. The case will be reviewed by the RO based on this additional evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was rated at 40 percent effective January 12, 2004. The Board found that the increase in disability became factually ascertainable on this date.

The Board finds that the veteran likely served in Vietnam and has diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. Therefore, service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of the veteran's exposure to herbicides and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, managed with insulin and a restricted diet, warrants a 20 percent rating since February 2, 2003.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.