Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and residuals to include amputation of the left leg secondary to herbicide exposure is being remanded due to inadequate development regarding his alleged exposure.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical services provided by University Community Hospital of Tampa, Florida. The appeal is currently pending and denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeal was not received within one year of the September 2005 rating decision, thus denying his claims for service connection. The claim is reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the September 2005 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective from May 22, 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not show an earlier date when he became unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant and his authorized representative.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and amputation of right toes did not have onset during service or within one year of separation from service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active service including as due to any exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while significant, do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hip conditions, as well as diabetes mellitus, are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to determine if he was exposed to herbicides and pesticides in Thailand, which could affect his diabetes mellitus claim. The remaining issues will be reviewed after this determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from a private physician identified by the Veteran.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and skin cancer, both claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance is granted, as he meets the criteria due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his layover in Vietnam. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and an eye disorder other than glaucoma have all been granted.,All three conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the RO has requested a new examination to determine if his condition warrants an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type I, claimed as diabetes type II, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding whether he has ever had diabetes mellitus type II and/or if his diabetes type I is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy has resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities, warranting a 100% rating. He is also entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his condition. Additionally, he is eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a specially adapted automobile or other conveyance.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, urinary tract infections, and skin disorder are pending. The appeal for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus is denied.