Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not meet the legal criteria for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange, was denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and the initial clinical evidence of diabetes was many years after service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further development of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have Type II diabetes mellitus, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition as a direct result of his military service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 30, 2004 for the grant of service connection and a 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no provision in the law for awarding an earlier effective date based on his assertion that he had diabetes before filing his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, as there is no competent evidence of their onset or association with his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or due to being permanently housebound, finding that her health disorders do not meet the criteria for SMP.

The Veteran's multiple disabilities do not meet the criteria for a special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or on account of being housebound.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including malaria, left wrist disability, fungal infection, and a snake bite. The issues of reopening these claims were addressed, but no new evidence was submitted to reopen them.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus related to his active duty service and denies the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy are not shown to warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,A 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus is assigned, as it requires insulin and restricted diet. The Veteran does not have regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he claims is secondary to herbicide exposure, has been remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from Kaiser Permanente.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus denied his claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Bell's Palsy, right knee disability, hypertension, left eye disability, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, were contributory causes of his death. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. As a result, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.