Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Board is remanding the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep disorder, including whether it is separate from his service-connected PTSD. The RO should also obtain all outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing the physical acts required by sedentary employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension are presumptively service-connected due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, with no evidence of pre-service or post-service onset.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board found that his condition does not warrant a higher rating based on the need for insulin or regulation of activities. Service connection was granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, but the Veteran's employment is not affected by these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus and granted it. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to be due to herbicide exposure during active service in Korea, warranting a grant of service connection. The rating for his low back disability remains at 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule. The current evaluations are considered appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as there was no formal or informal claim for these conditions prior to April 22, 2004.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any of his conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hypertension is not productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.,Diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral knee disorder were not shown in service or for many years thereafter; they are not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing and following some form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience, warranting a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims of service connection for alcoholism, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, PTSD, sterility, Type II diabetes mellitus, and a lung disorder were not supported by the evidence. The Board concluded that none of these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's lung cancer was not related to service, and his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus was denied as the earliest possible effective date is August 25, 2004.

The Board denied service connection for vision problems and exophthalmos in April 2003. The Veteran's claim to reopen the vision disorder claim was received in April 2005, but new and material evidence has not been submitted. Service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus is also considered, with no new or material evidence provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, memory loss, and high cholesterol have been denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for myeloma and remanded the issue of diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no current evidence of these conditions. The Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam is not considered as it does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and compliance with VCAA requirements.