Diabetes decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection were denied as he did not meet the statutory eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of wartime service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and no direct link to service. The Board also noted that the disability did not manifest until many years after service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for type 2 diabetes mellitus as the evidence did not indicate that the veteran's diabetes required regulation or restriction of activities.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with mild retinopathy and erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claims, including a VA examination for hypertension and PTSD.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection and assignment of a 20 percent disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II, finding no legal basis for such a date prior to January 10, 2004.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus as the veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The veteran did not have any service-connected disabilities, and his death was not due to a service-connected condition. Therefore, the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of hypertension and for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Type-II diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral tinnitus, service connection for a left hand disability, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and residuals of a perforation of the left tympanic membrane. The issues regarding separate evaluations for tinnitus in each ear were withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and assigned a 20 percent rating, effective August 31, 2000.

The veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and development of his service-connected PTSD, as well as clarification on whether he has been unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident. The veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his active service, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not recognized as the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of receiving VA death benefits due to a prior valid marriage.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction requires the use of insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and a restricted diet but does not require avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities. The claim for a higher initial rating is granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and vascular insufficiency of the legs, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board has remanded the case due to the veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled video conference hearing. The claim for service connection will be reconsidered after the hearing is rescheduled.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. Therefore, service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and Type II diabetes mellitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing a direct link to service or aggravation by service-connected conditions. The claim for hepatitis C was also denied.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.