Diabetes decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for labyrinthitis is denied as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus with carotid artery disease from October 18, 2005 is denied as the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his COPD and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's heart condition as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II. The issues of hypertension and diabetic retinopathy with cataracts are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is caused by or worsened beyond natural progression as a consequence of his service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues, including bilateral knee disability, right ankle disability, diabetes, umbilical and hiatal hernia, and periodontal disease, was granted. The decision also includes a grant of TDIU.

The Board found no current diagnosis of diabetes, left ear disability, or lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any findings related to these conditions. There is insufficient evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy were denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings had not been met during the relevant periods.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, finding that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during active military service and therefore presumptively presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's service records do not show exposure to Agent Orange or any other herbicide. His diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are not shown to be related to his military service, including any potential exposure to herbicides.