Diabetes decisions — 2009

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, nephrolithiasis (claimed as diabetic nephropathy), and amputation of little toe, right foot, finding no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus to allow VA to obtain additional medical records and provide the veteran with an opportunity to identify treating physicians.

The Board concluded that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, treated with insulin and a restricted diet, did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, while severe, do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied as the RO assigned January 27, 2003, which is one year prior to the receipt of his original claim.

The Board granted an effective date of September 9, 2004, for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy in all extremities.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, including Type II Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, chronic sinusitis, a skin condition, osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, thumbs, and knees, diverticulosis, and hiatal hernia and GERD, as none were found to be related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, a foot fungus disorder, and a back disorder. The veteran's migraine headache disorder was rated as follows: 10% prior to April 2, 2004; 30% from April 2, 2004 to June 22, 2005; 50% from June 23, 2005 to May 9, 2007; and greater than 50% beginning May 10, 2007.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus were denied, while the claim for hypertensive vascular disease was remanded.

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and its complications were denied as the evidence did not show that he met all eligibility criteria on the effective date of the liberalizing law.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for Achilles tendonitis, gastrointestinal bleed, left shoulder condition, peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling for chronic myopathy secondary to the use of steroids for a service connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus, as the evidence did not support a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his visitation in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, and a back disability as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus and right below the knee amputation were denied as there was no evidence that his conditions were caused by VA treatment.

The appeal for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded to obtain updated medical records from the Battle Creek VAMC.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and a chronic respiratory disorder. The veteran's hypertension was also not increased in severity beyond its natural progression.

The Board remands the appeal to the RO for additional development, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining necessary evidence.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted service connection as a result of presumed exposure to herbicides during his military service in Korea.