Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes requires insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. Therefore, the current 20% rating for diabetes mellitus is maintained.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and granted it. The Veteran's low back disability, associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and neck disability are all rated based on their orthopedic manifestations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are granted as service-connected, with diabetes mellitus being presumed due to herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations addressing the effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and bilateral ankle disability, finding no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after service that is related to his current conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder as secondary to a service-connected disability, PTSD, and type II diabetes mellitus. The Board also denied his claim for an increased rating for right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the lower extremities, degenerative vision, and decreased libido as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

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 is no evidence of regulation of activities required for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus type II and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The RO found no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicide agents during his military service, and thus could not grant service connection based on presumptive exposure. Additionally, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to underlying Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder did not substantially or materially contribute to his death, and it was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of discussion regarding the likely date of onset of the Veteran's diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted. The appeal for service connection for diabetic retinopathy has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was managed with oral medication and diet modification prior to February 7, 2008, but required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities from February 7, 2008.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his diabetes mellitus and other disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for CRVO and vascular disorder, both secondary to his service-connected Type II Diabetes Mellitus. The rating for diabetic retinopathy of both eyes with macular edema of right eye is increased to 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, as the evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU. The case is being remanded for further development of the record to address issues such as FMLA records, a new examination for TDIU, additional audio examinations, and clarification on Worker's Compensation benefits.