Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the right and left forearms, scalp, and back have been granted with noncompensable evaluations. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II is denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and the claim is not based on a presumption.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, heart disorders, and bilateral eye disorders. The issues have been characterized as whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and those secondary to herbicide exposure, were denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or within one year after separation. The Agent Orange presumption does not apply due to the Veteran's testimony that he did not set foot on Vietnam soil.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board denied his claim as he did not have 'service in the Republic of Vietnam' as defined for purposes of VA compensation benefits.

Service connection is denied for refractive error of the eye.,Service connection granted for diabetic retinopathy, secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on orthopedic manifestations alone, and there were no incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims, including those related to diabetes mellitus and its secondary conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 20 percent disabling effective June 14, 2002. The appeal for a higher initial rating prior to that date has been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for PTSD, status postoperative colon cancer, loss of teeth to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II was granted at 10 percent, and service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet was established. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating or additional compensation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, effectively ending the appeal process.

The Veteran died due to pulmonary embolism, metastatic tumor, emphysema, and type II diabetes mellitus. The cause of death is not service-connected as there was no evidence linking any in-service injury or exposure to the causes of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as his other nonservice-connected conditions and work experience make it possible for him to find another means of employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for most of his daily personal needs or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment without the assistance of others, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for several disabilities, including diabetes mellitus. The decision is final as the appellant did not pursue an appeal regarding this issue.