Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected left leg scar disability did not cause or contribute to his death. The underlying causes of death (hypoglycemic coma, metastatic colon cancer, inability to eat, IDDM, and hypertension) were not related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and post-service medical records, as well as whether his fatal conditions are related to his military service. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and burial benefits on that basis, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform sedentary work despite his arthritis and neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as due to herbicide exposure or secondary/aggravated by his service-connected hip and shoulder disabilities is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.,While the Veteran has depression that he claims is secondary to his diabetes mellitus, type II, there is no separate diagnosis of depression in the medical records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with associated complications, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a medical opinion regarding whether hypertension is caused by or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension was diagnosed at the same time as his service-connected diabetes mellitus. However, there is no evidence of a causal or aggravating relationship between the two conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was granted. The initial evaluation for PTSD remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus is denied, and his rating for coronary artery disease is reduced to 0 percent effective May 1, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on his service-connected conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his request for a higher rating for anterior cruciate ligament instability of the left knee. His claims for type II diabetes mellitus, traumatic arthritis of the left knee, and dermatitis remain unresolved.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and skin disorders, all of which were presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of increase for left knee disability and service connection for right knee, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities.

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

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding hypertension, hearing loss, jock itch, foot fungus, and left ankle disorder due to his withdrawal of these issues. The case is being remanded for further development on diabetes mellitus, sinus disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of diabetes mellitus, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the current evaluation of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7913 accurately reflected the extent of the Veteran's disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claims for various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, are denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury that would support service connection. The Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and the evidence does not show exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has maintained the Veteran's current 20% rating for diabetes mellitus type II until March 23, 2009. Since that date, a partial grant of a 40% rating is warranted due to the need for insulin and restricted diet.