Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic ulcers of both feet are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active duty service or within one year of separation. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for reopening a previously denied claim for chronic psychiatric disability (claimed as schizophrenia).

The Board has determined that the Veteran had service in Vietnam and, therefore, is entitled to presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus were denied as there was no evidence of in-service stressors or a link to military service, respectively.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the June 4, 1985 rating decision did not contain CUE in assigning an initial noncompensable disability rating for residuals of a left tibial fracture with osteoarthritic changes and chronic chondromalacia of the knee. The denial was based on the evidence showing no functional limitations.

The Board has granted service connection for cellulitis of the right upper extremity and tinnitus, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran is currently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for service-connected diabetes mellitus and hypertension are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's spouse is not considered to be in need of regular aid and attendance based on the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a).

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not require insulin or regulation of activities due to the condition, and thus denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed and anxious mood is related to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The claim for diabetes mellitus secondary to exposure to Agent Orange remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for various disabilities resulting from diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and bilateral lower extremity vascular disease was denied. The Veteran's PTSD also resulted in a denial of an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Joseph's Hospital is denied as the closest VA facility was available and he could have been safely transferred to a VA facility.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus, type II in service or within presumptive periods due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, impotency, and skin rash.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD. The claim for diabetes remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and a psychiatric disorder due to lack of in-service exposure to herbicides, no evidence of onset during service or related to service, and insufficient medical nexus opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and multiple diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, are considered in determining his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The RO must obtain a supplemental opinion on this issue.