Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. As a result of this reopening, presumptive service connection is granted based on presumed exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as secondary to herbicide exposure was denied because there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury and the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam. The Board found that he was not exposed to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service and is not related to service or to an incident of service origin.

The Board found that the Veteran's son, G.B., was not permanently incapable of self-support at age 18 due to his medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The evidence did not establish permanent incapacity prior to reaching the age of 18.

The Veteran's death was caused by an acute stroke, but there is no evidence linking any of the underlying conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and major depression) to his military service. The Board found that service connection for the cause of death is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and thus denied his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including heart disease with coronary artery disease and moderate to severe heart failure. He also qualifies for housebound benefits as he is over 65 years old and has multiple service-connected conditions that independently rate at or above 60 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and erectile dysfunction, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, renal disability, and upper and lower extremity disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. The criteria for a higher disability rating are not met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a genitourinary disorder is denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis. The claims for increased evaluations for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, Type II have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the issue of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for chronic diabetes mellitus for accrued benefits purposes. The case is therefore being remanded to address both issues.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 40 percent, his erectile dysfunction is rated as noncompensable, and his nuclear cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are each rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted.

The Board has ordered additional development to address whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes contributed to his cause of death and acute renal failure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the claimed conditions did not manifest during active service or within one year of service, and are not shown to have developed as a result of an established event, injury, or disease during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.