Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence. The Board also notes that a separate compensable rating may be warranted for erectile dysfunction as a complication of his diabetes.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his non-service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease and hypertension, are granted due to exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, atrial fibrillation as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, and joint pain of bilateral knees are all denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year after separation, and the presumption of herbicide exposure does not apply.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for additional development regarding the use of commercial herbicides at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand during the relevant time periods.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents.,Compensation benefits for a prostate disorder were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for DM was denied by the RO in an August 2009 rating decision. The initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for either automobile and adaptive equipment or specially adapted housing assistance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed related to his exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam. His gastroesophageal disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders are also granted as secondary to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, are found to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants a TDIU rating based on these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease, hypertension, liver disease (including cirrhosis of the liver), erectile dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus all claimed as due to inservice herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service records do not show any evidence of such conditions during or after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The appeal was also denied regarding basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of qualifying service.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, or a bilateral foot disability due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence linking the current disabilities to his military service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant or his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, and urethral stricture, are so incapacitating that they preclude him from securing or maintaining gainful employment. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence reasonably supports granting entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he claims was first diagnosed in the 1970s. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if his current condition may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for verification of his periods of National Guard and Reserve service, as well as additional medical records. A VA examination is also needed to address the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 1 is rated at 40 percent disabling. He also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.