Diabetes decisions — 2008

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for a scar of the lumbar spine. The evidence does not support these claims.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further evaluation and examination.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at their maximum allowable levels, with no additional ratings granted.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, from February 13, 2003, is denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depression are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective January 2004. His diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent disabling and both conditions do not render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, effective from May 21, 2003. The veteran's condition requires insulin and a restricted diet.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that it was not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected congestive heart failure.

Service connection for polycystic ovarian disease and diabetes mellitus has been granted.,The veteran's polycystic ovarian disease is presumed to have had its onset during active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, hearing loss, and tinnitus related to exposure to Agent Orange are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher disability rating for type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a service connection claim for the claimed disabilities, and thus the claims are denied.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus due to the equipoise of evidence regarding the veteran's diagnosis.

The veteran died of metastatic renal carcinoma, which the VA medical opinion found was not related to his service. The appellant claimed that prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II contributed to his death.,The veteran did not have a permanent total service-connected disability at the time of his death or die as a result of a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus warrants a 20 percent initial rating, effective July 9, 2001. The appeal for an earlier effective date was also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and has found that the appellant was exposed to mustard gas/lewisite while serving on Johnston Island, which is sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care and protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance starting September 28, 2005.