Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been treated with oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin, but does not require regulation of activities or hospitalization.,Since March 24, 2009, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent due to restrictions on strenuous activity.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity results in weakness and pain but no significant chronic motor or sensory abnormality.,The Veteran's diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity also results in weakness and pain, with a history of exacerbation over the course of the appeal period.,The Veteran's diabetic amyotrophy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent due to an exacerbation that resolved over time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right groin strain was withdrawn.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for a headache disorder remains open on appeal, as the July 1988 rating decision denying such is not final.,Diabetes mellitus was incurred in active service and is service-connected.,Asthma was not incurred or aggravated by active service.,TMJ dysfunction was not incurred or aggravated by active service.,The right shoulder disorder was not incurred or aggravated by active service, nor may the incurrence of arthritis during such service be presumed.,Erectile dysfunction is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability (diabetes mellitus).,PTSD and major depressive disorder were incurred in active service and are service-connected.,Dry throat was not caused by active service, as there is no underlying diagnosed disorder residual to tonsillectomy.,A bilateral elbow disorder was not incurred or aggravated by active service.,A rib joint disorder was not incurred or aggravated by active service.,The torn right latissimus dorsi muscle was not incurred or aggravated by active service.,Arthritis of the hands was not incurred or aggravated by active service, and the incurrence or aggravation of arthritis during such service may not be presumed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show that he required regulation of activities to control his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ear disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, GERD, cramps in legs and feet, back disorder, headaches, arthritis of the hands, and skin infection of the feet are not supported by the evidence. The Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any period thereof.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to send a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) to the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, bilateral hand disorder (to include arthritis), and diabetes mellitus have all been granted.

The Veteran's right and left hand disabilities are found to be caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The eye disability is not service connected.

The Veteran was granted service connection for diabetic retinopathy effective from July 25, 2007. He is currently receiving a 20 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and heart disease. The evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to the need for current evaluations of his disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder (anxiety disability). The decision found that there was no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation of his diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic retinopathy.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened and rendered him unemployable, necessitating a remand to obtain updated medical records and adjudicate increased rating claims for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board also noted that the claim seeking service connection for elevated liver enzymes was not properly addressed due to a lack of proper notification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to conflicting evidence regarding the severity of his diabetes and whether it requires regulation of activities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus and a prior effective date for service connection, finding that his diabetes did not require regulation of activities. The claim for hypertension was remanded.