Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused him to use tobacco products post-service, which was a substantial factor in causing his COPD with emphysema. The VA examiner concluded that COPD with emphysema would not have occurred but for the use of tobacco products caused by PTSD.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was not found to be a primary or contributory cause of death.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and a bilateral leg condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and for further adjudication of his claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his Type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time since the effective date of his awards.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, upper respiratory disability (claimed as cough and shortness of breath), sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and an upper respiratory condition secondary to herbicide and/or DDT exposure were also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening of his service connection claims for hearing loss, low back disability, and diabetes mellitus as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin and a restricted diet, but does not necessitate regulation of activities or hospitalizations. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board found that diabetes mellitus, type II, is not causally or etiologically related to service and may not be presumed to have incurred during service. Service connection for the other conditions was also denied.

The Board has vacated its April 6, 2009 decision and granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, required oral hypoglycemic agents but did not necessitate insulin or regulation of activities prior to August 17, 2004. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for muscle contraction headaches was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have effectively precluded locomotion without the aid of a cane or motorized wheelchair, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or made worse by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected hemorrhoids, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for type 2 diabetes mellitus was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating. The hypertension issue was also addressed, but the decision is pending due to the need for additional VA examination and clinical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are denied as there is no evidence to support the assertions of secondary service connection or a direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service.