Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Board found no evidence of the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, and thus denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension as secondary to such exposure. The Board also noted that diabetes mellitus was not shown within one year after separation from active service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his VA Vocational Rehabilitation file and any outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, requiring insulin and a restricted diet.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes was not addressed in a de novo decision as required by law.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes and its complications are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's death was caused by diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 claim as moot.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, but denied the claim as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure or in-service diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him physically helpless in the performance of daily activities and in protecting himself from everyday hazards, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange was denied because there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury, and the presumption of herbicide exposure based on receipt of the Vietnam Service Medal does not apply.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any diagnosis of or treatment for these conditions during his military service, and he was first diagnosed with diabetes mellitus approximately 13 years after discharge from his last period of service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis is granted. The claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's death was service-connected due to his diabetes mellitus, but the appellant is not entitled to increased DIC benefits or accrued benefits as her claim for these benefits is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 29, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's nonservice-connected hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his coronary artery disease and service-connected conditions, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and peripheral vascular disease.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 was proper, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence showing the Veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam. The effective date remains June 1, 2004.

The Board denied the appellant's claim, finding that his diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated by service. The condition pre-existed his period of ACDUTRA from April 12 to July 14, 1992.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The combined rating of 70% does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as there are no additional disabilities to bring the combined rating to at least 70%.