Diabetes decisions — 2008

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with mild hypertension, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The Board finds that the evidence supports service connection for this condition. Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on a confirmed stressor and medical opinion linking the condition to service. However, service connection for chronic myelogenous leukemia was withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection. However, he was eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran's initial increased rating claim for diabetes mellitus from January 29, 2001 to November 17, 2003 was denied.,An increased rating of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus associated with herbicide exposure and related complications since November 18, 2003 was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetic neuropathy with hypertension does not warrant a higher initial evaluation, as it only meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7541.

The veteran's hearing loss is found to be related to his military service. The claim for increased rating of diabetes mellitus and a separate compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim, necessitating further development.

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

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is more likely than not related to his period of active military service.

The veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to September 21, 2006. The medical evidence supports the finding that he could not secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the veteran's service-connected conditions and their impact on his ability to work. The case is being remanded for further examination and review.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2; sleep apnea (claimed as a sleep disorder); irritable bowel syndrome; and neurological disability of bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The conditions did not manifest in service or within one year thereafter, and there was no evidence of a causal relationship to service.

The veteran seeks service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to in-service herbicide exposure. However, the case is remanded to verify his presence in the Republic of Vietnam and to attempt to corroborate his claimed TDY assignments.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that his type I diabetes is not caused by exposure to herbicides in Vietnam and does not warrant the legal presumption of causation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, edema of the lower extremities, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left eye disorder, and right eye disorder are not etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, finding no competent medical evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The VA denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type 2, with hypertension. The evidence showed that the veteran's diabetes required oral medication and insulin as well as restrictions in his diet but not 'regulation of activities' as defined by the criteria.