Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, urination problems, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral eye disability are denied as there is no evidence of in-country service or visitation in Vietnam to support a presumption of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's diabetes requires oral medication and a restricted diet, but not insulin or regulation of activities. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and confirming exposure to radiation. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is also being examined by a VA examiner to determine its onset in service or within one year of discharge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for heart disease, diverticulitis, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and broken blood vessels of the toes as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on presumptive exposure to herbicides, but no such evidence was provided.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides during service. The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension, which started before his diagnosis of diabetes, may also be related to his diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's combined rating of 70 percent from multiple service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, claiming it is related to his military service and exposure to herbicides. The Board has determined that more development is needed regarding the use of herbicide agents at Ft. Campbell during his service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and thyroid disability are not related to his service or any service-connected conditions, leading to a denial of both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, developed as a result of an established event during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cause of death is related to exposure to ionizing radiation, which occurred during service. The claim will be reviewed again after receiving a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and thus the presumption does not apply to these conditions.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus was increased to 40 percent, effective from January 22, 2004.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating as there are no findings of regulation of activities due to diabetes.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus is proximately due to his service-connected pancreatitis, which was previously deemed incurred in the line of duty. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has found that the reduction in rating from 40% to 20% for diabetes mellitus (DM) was proper. However, due to material improvement in his condition, the Veteran's representative requested a new VA examination and remand of this case.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2, with diabetic retinopathy is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The appellant's current diabetes mellitus is at least as likely as not causally related to his prolonged exposure to cold weather in Korea and/or his service-connected cold injury disabilities.