Diabetes decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims. The Board also found no service connection due to lack of nexus between current conditions and service.

The VA has determined that there is no current evidence of diabetic retinopathy and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by, or hastened by, VA care and treatment. The appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, currently rated at 20 percent, is found to warrant a higher initial rating of 40 percent.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence linking the veteran's death to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and therefore denied the claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have diabetic retinopathy or any other eye disability related to diabetes mellitus, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus prior to May 4, 2006 was denied as the evidence did not show that he required insulin and regulation of activities due to his condition.,The veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus after May 4, 2006 was also denied as there were no episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations or visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service or as a result of his service-connected asthma, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, starting December 13, 2003. An effective date of December 13, 2003 is assigned for TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral cataracts and a separate compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance has been granted due to his multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, including COPD with sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, lumbar stenosis, diabetes mellitus (type II), and hypertension. The Board found that the veteran requires daily assistance in performing certain activities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, finding that the evidence did not show exceptional or unusual circumstances warranting extraschedular consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety as secondary to the veteran's service-connected conditions, including his knee and back disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition. The gall bladder disorder, hepatitis C, and diabetes mellitus are also denied as there is no evidence of chronic conditions related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, as well as earlier effective dates for service connection and a total rating based on individual unemployability, were denied.

The Board has denied the reopening of claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for reopening claims of service connection for a back disorder, diabetes mellitus with episodes of hypoglycemia, headaches, and vision loss with corneal scars of the right eye. The claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was not reopened.