Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his mental or physical incapacity, specifically requiring assistance with most basic activities of daily living.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied. His PTSD claim resulted in a grant of service connection with an initial rating of 50 percent, effective September 17, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from military service. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a comminuted fracture of the left clavicle remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and service department records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diverticulitis and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for diabetes mellitus is pending as additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that additional notice is needed and the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's death was attributed to cardiac arrest due to sepsis, aspiration pneumonia, and severe encephalopathy. Service connection for the cause of death is granted as his diabetes mellitus likely contributed substantially in accelerating his demise.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and aortic stenosis were not incurred in service, including as due to herbicide or asbestos exposure. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claimed renal, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and erectile dysfunction were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's claimed neuropathy of the upper extremities is not service-connected, as it is not shown to be related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities, and these conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and neuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish an in-service event or disease related to these conditions, nor is there any evidence of herbicide exposure during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran does not have service in Vietnam and thus cannot be presumed exposed to herbicides. There is no evidence of diabetes mellitus during service or for many years after discharge, nor any medical opinion linking the condition to service or exposure to herbicides. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple sclerosis is presumed to have been incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claims for prostate cancer and type II diabetes mellitus are denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicides during service and no direct link between his current condition and military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus is etiologically related to his military service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and medical opinions regarding both theories of entitlement: service connection based on secondary effects of prescribed medication, and DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure, was denied because there is no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure and the condition did not manifest within one year of discharge.