Diabetes decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent at any time since the effective date of service connection on May 8, 2001.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he is not bedridden, does not require regular aid and attendance, and is not substantially confined to his house.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hepatitis C, finding that the veteran did not have service in Vietnam or any other area where exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange could be presumed. The Board also found no evidence linking the current diagnoses of these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and an additional etiological opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hip disability, low back disability, amputation of the right big toe, amputation of toes of the left foot, or recurrent ulcerations of the feet that are attributable to military service. Diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerotic heart disease were not shown within one year of separation from active duty.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus requires a restricted diet and insulin but does not necessitate a restriction on activities, preventing him from receiving a higher rating of 40 percent. His erectile dysfunction is service-connected at the noncompensable level.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disability, end stage renal disease, and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to by, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of medical records and further review.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a kidney condition or diabetic renal insufficiency, and his impotency is not service-connected.,Service connection for hypertension, heart condition, and eye conditions are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and cannot be presumed to have been so incurred due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking it to his active service or any incident therein. The type of diabetes (Type I vs Type II) and its onset post-service were also considered.

The Board found that there was no evidence of pancreatitis in service, and the current pancreatitis is not related to service or a service-connected disorder. Therefore, service connection for pancreatitis cannot be established.

The veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions, including congestive heart failure, colon cancer, atherosclerotic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. However, the Board finds that the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are not met due to the absence of a total service-connected disability rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the effective date for his service-connected lung cancer was set at June 7, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol abuse, pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus as they are not related to military service.

The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The case will be reviewed after additional evaluations are conducted.

The Board granted service connection for the claimed conditions and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance due to diabetes mellitus. Accrued benefits were not payable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a cardiac disorder, left leg disorder, and diabetes mellitus. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.