Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and a need for clarification regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected shoulder disabilities on his daily activities. The claim will be reviewed after additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial extraschedular evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II, with cataracts, impotence, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The decision found that the disability picture was contemplated by the rating schedule.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II was not incurred or aggravated by service and the Board finds no evidence of exposure to herbicides. As such, service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current extent and severity of the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity diabetic skin ulcers, as well as any involvement of the right lower extremity. The claim will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or any link between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 30, 2005 for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a claim filed prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or materially contribute to his death. However, further medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected auriculoventricular block contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is proximately due to or a result of her service-connected bowel obstruction and/or removal of left ovary, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The Board also found no evidence linking the Veteran's hemorrhoids directly to her military service.

The Board found no nexus between the Veteran's active military service and his current hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, or diabetic retinopathy. The appeal was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at a combined 60 percent, and the Board denied his claim for TDIU as he does not meet the schedular requirements.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an extra-orbital shrapnel splinter of the left eye were denied. The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's claim for higher ratings remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is not etiologically related to service and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only due to lack of loss of use of feet, hands, or vision. The Veteran is also denied TDIU as his combined disability rating does not meet the minimum schedular requirements.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its complications were denied as there was no diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder prior to February 20, 2003 was not granted due to lack of a formal or informal claim within one year of separation from service.,Service connection for tinnitus prior to April 14, 2003 was denied as the Veteran did not submit a formal or informal claim within one year of separation from service.,An effective date prior to February 20, 2003 for an increased rating for residuals of fractures of the distal medial malleolus and distal fibula with post-traumatic arthritis of the right ankle was denied as there was no increase in disability prior to that date.,A total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability from March 2004, when the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to work within one year, was granted effective July 31, 2004.,Initial ratings of greater than 50 percent and greater than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder were denied as the symptoms did not meet criteria for total occupational and social impairment.,A rating higher than 20 percent for residuals of fractures of the distal medial malleolus and distal fibula with post-traumatic arthritis of the right ankle was denied due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or malunion.,A compensable rating for residuals of a right heminephrectomy was not granted as there were no requirements met under VA's criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of any current disabilities related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease and hypertension are not addressed as they were not part of the original claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for various conditions are pending.