Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability in service or during the first post-service year, and denied service connection for residuals of a low back injury. The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to his service, and thus service connection was also denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was also denied as there is no evidence it became manifest in service. Bilateral hearing loss was noted on entry but did not increase during service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. Separate ratings were also denied for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and upper extremities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ. The Board has determined that additional development is required due to the need for a more detailed opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, lung condition, neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), right shoulder arthritis, left hand arthritis, bilateral wrist arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral hip arthritis have been denied. The denial is based on the lack of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causative factors for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently existing sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically to attacks on the ammunition depot at Qui Nhon in Vietnam. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II contributed substantially and materially to his death, which was caused by an intracranial bleed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling new examinations, and readjudicating the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with hypertension and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death. His claims for various disabilities and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are not before the Board.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional service records and determine whether new evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy will also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus claim.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, as well as her claim for service connection for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), all on the basis of Agent Orange exposure. The appeals are being remanded to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, the minimum rating required for insulin dependence and restricted diet. The VA examiner found that his activities are not regulated due to diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA medical records.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was granted, but the current disability rating remains at 20 percent. The VA medical examiner found that as of July 1, 2009, the Veteran is entitled to a 40 percent disability rating due to regulation of his activities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The case is being remanded for additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred as a result of exposure to herbicides during service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is not secondary to his hypertension.