Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The initial 20% rating for diabetes mellitus was granted, but the remaining issues regarding peripheral neuropathy were denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional VA treatment records.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claims for secondary service connection for neurological disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension as due to diabetes mellitus were denied based on lack of medical nexus evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, with erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied because his service dates do not correspond to any recognized period of war, thus he does not meet the basic eligibility requirements.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 20 percent and his right and left lower extremity neurological disorders are also each rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for right knee degenerative joint disease and service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his military service records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to November 13, 2007, and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is currently rated at 10 percent each, while his right upper extremity is rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the cervical spine and disabilities related to diabetes mellitus. The effective date was not assigned as there were no prior claims or evidence of treatment showing an increase in severity.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes insipidus is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further development, including possibly an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his claims, particularly regarding his service treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not develop diabetes mellitus (DM) until more than one year after his discharge from service and that any currently present DM is unrelated to his active service. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was noted at the time of his separation examination, but no current evidence supports a finding of in-service onset or aggravation. As for the broken teeth numbered 8 and 9, the Board finds further development is needed as the Veteran has not been provided with an appropriate VA dental examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a direct link between the conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other causative events.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not have onset in service or within one year of service and was not caused by his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and VCAA notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability and diabetic retinopathy, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his claims. The Veteran's current claims are based on the same factual basis as his previous denial.