Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, to include as due to herbicide exposure. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The Board has granted a 40% evaluation for this condition.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 50 percent for sleep apnea, effective as of the date of receipt of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a right ear hearing loss disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not shown in service or until years after service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. Diabetes mellitus was first diagnosed six years after service. The claim for secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with end stage renal disease, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic gastroparesis, and coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a computer under Chapter 31, finding that it is not necessary to assist him in functioning independently or in the community.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects the current level of disability. The evidence does not support a higher rating as it fails to show that his activities are medically regulated solely because of diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of medical evidence to determine the severity of the appellant's disabilities and their impact on her ability to perform routine everyday activities without assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current diabetes mellitus is related to his active service.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus has been manifested by the use of insulin and restriction of diet, but not by regulation of activities. The criteria for a higher evaluation have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and a skin disability. The decision also addressed his claim of service connection for a bilateral foot condition which was granted in a separate rating decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and his erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a statement of the case on his claim for service connection for a lumbosacral herniated nucleus pulposus. The hearing loss in the right ear issue will be addressed after a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder shrapnel wound caused or contributed to his death from lung cancer, arteriosclerotic heart disease and Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus and hepatitis) do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU, as they are not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death, glioblastoma multiforme, was not service-connected. The Board also found no evidence to suggest that diabetes mellitus contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was granted service connection as a result of exposure to herbicides during his active duty service in Vietnam.