Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further investigation of his claimed service connection claims related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective from September 8, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service and a left ankle disability was incurred in service. The other conditions were not established as being related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, central retinal artery occlusion of the right eye, stomach disability, back disability, and pain in bilateral legs, were not shown during service or for many years thereafter. The evidence does not support a finding of an association between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran experienced an in-service stressful event of close proximity to mortar fire and was diagnosed with PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70% since April 30, 2009. The RO is directed to arrange for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities due to his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the VA did not adequately assist in substantiating the Veteran's claim for service connection due to potential herbicide exposure, and thus remands the case for further development including a request to JSRRC regarding herbicide exposure.

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

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the evaluation of diabetes, special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance and/or housebound status, and service connection for PTSD. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to decide these matters.

The Board denied the motion for revision of the June 1, 2005 decision on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The effective date for service connection for diabetes insipidus was granted as November 9, 1979.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as a result of exposure to herbicide agents used in the Gulf War, is denied.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a current examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a favorable decision for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected due to exposure to combat noise during service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted as well, though it was not incurred in service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for lumbago, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a right knee injury. The claim for diabetes mellitus, type II, was granted with an effective date of May 31, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The initial rating of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy was maintained, and the left knee disability remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's service connection claim for type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), and erectile dysfunction is granted due to his exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The Board finds that the Veteran set foot on land in Vietnam and thus is entitled to presumptive service connection.