Diabetes decisions — 2008

The veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, cervical spine DJD, right shoulder DJD, and left shoulder DJD were denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage criteria for a TDIU, but he is not able to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his medical conditions. The case is REMANDED to obtain updated treatment records and conduct an examination to assess the impact of his disabilities on his employability.

The case is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence, and further development is required before a decision can be made.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, his heart disability prior to September 26, 2007 was rated as noncompensable, and since then has been rated at 30 percent. Service connection for a right shoulder disorder was not granted.

The VA determined that the veteran's Type I diabetes mellitus, with its associated complications of impotence, nephropathy, and retinopathy, warrants a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board denied all of the veteran's service connection claims, including diabetes mellitus, back disability, allergies, hepatitis, hemorrhoids, and epilepsy.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for diabetes mellitus or back disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy affecting both upper and lower extremities, do not render him incapable of securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension associated with diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 30, 2004 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a disability rating of 20 percent for Type II Diabetes Mellitus effective April 19, 2006. The veteran's diabetes mellitus was manageable by restricted diet only prior to this date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for new and material evidence to reopen his left hip disability claim. The TDIU claim was also denied as he did not meet the percentage requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board found no evidence of a current disability for any of the claimed conditions and denied service connection for all issues.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right arm diabetic neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and arranging for a VA examination.

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

The Board finds that the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no credible evidence linking his current condition to any incident or exposure in service. The Board also found that he was not exposed to herbicides during service at Fort Gordon or Fort Drum.

The Board found that the veteran's current diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.,The veteran's diabetes mellitus does not require regulation of activities as treatment prescribed by medical professionals. The evidence showed no need to avoid strenuous occupational or recreational activities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed type II diabetes mellitus and psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been. The claims are therefore denied.