Diabetes decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic ulcers of the feet is being remanded due to a need for additional medical examination and treatment records.

The veteran died from ASHD, which was not service-connected. The claim for PTSD was pending at the time of death but denied due to lack of diagnosis before death.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II and its secondary effects on peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and an eye disorder, have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or that they are related to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's death was caused by end-stage liver cancer, but the appellant contends that complications of his service-connected diabetes mellitus and gallstones contributed to or caused his death. The VA is asked to obtain medical opinions on these claims and attempt to obtain an autopsy report.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated by his military service and denied his claim.

The veteran's appeal for an initial increased rating for Type II diabetes mellitus has been withdrawn, and the claim is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and for a urology examination.

The veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions, including an acute myocardial infarction. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from November 10, 2005 to November 18, 2005 were denied as the VA determined that he was stable for transfer to a VA facility by November 9, 2005.

The veteran had a pending TDIU claim at the time of his death, which was granted. The cause of death is being addressed separately.

The veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus. The VA has not obtained all relevant medical records and the veteran needs to provide additional information about his treatment history. A VA examination is needed to determine if the veteran's current diabetes mellitus is related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his health conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its related complications, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for initial consideration.

The veteran is service connected for several conditions and meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board is remanding the case to comply with a joint motion that raises the issue of whether the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus aggravates his nonservice-connected hypertension. The case will be referred for another VA examination and review of the claims folder.

The veteran's claims for service connection, increase ratings, and individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, and tinnitus based on presumptive exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The veteran's current conditions are deemed related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the veteran's hypertension is related to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD, or any other factors. The examiner will also assess if the veteran's PTSD caused or aggravated his hypertension.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying his exposure to herbicides. Service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him helpless and in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for such aid.

The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus with impotency as of March 9, 2005. The veteran's condition required insulin and restricted diet.