Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The decision also noted that the regulations pertaining to stressor verification have been liberalized, thus obviating the need for new and material evidence under 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(a).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ulcerative colitis (claimed as residual of exposure to Agent Orange), and Type II diabetes mellitus (also claimed as residual of exposure to Agent Orange). The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or to exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to January 29, 2007 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus II with bilateral peripheral neuropathy associated with herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II were not service-connected, with no evidence of onset during or within one year after service. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and his hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had service in Vietnam as defined by VA regulations, and therefore his diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to work due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is inadequate and remands the case for a new medical examination to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to his service, including exposure to chemical or biological agents during Project SHAD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled hearing and her request for new representation. Additionally, updated VCAA notice is required.

The Veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly pension benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure. The VA has not been able to confirm the presence of Agent Orange at Subic Bay in the Philippines and thus denied his claim based on lack of evidence of presumptive exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes. Service connection was established for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor, but the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes were not supported by evidence showing an in-service event or disease.

The Veteran's death was caused by myocardial infarction due to atherosclerosis. His diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, was found to be a significant risk factor for both the atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension as the Veteran did not have service in Vietnam and there was no evidence of herbicide exposure. The claim for hypertension was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not due to a disability incurred in or aggravated by active duty service, specifically his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus, a nerve disability of the upper extremities, sexual dysfunction, or liver disability that was caused or aggravated by his service. Service connection is denied for all claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer as secondary to herbicide exposure due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, requires insulin and a restricted diet throughout the rating period on appeal. The Board finds that he is entitled to a 40 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that he did not have a period of at least 10 years prior to his death where he was rated as totally disabled. The Board also found no evidence indicating that any acquired psychiatric disorder contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not caused by VA medical treatment, specifically the administration of Felodipine. The evidence did not support a finding that the medication caused or aggravated his existing conditions.