Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal has been granted, and he is now receiving a TDIU. The issues of service connection for hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, PTSD, tinnitus, right hand disorder, left shoulder disorder, and skin rash have all been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute renal failure, with metastatic carcinoma and diabetes mellitus as significant contributing conditions. The appeal is remanded due to incomplete service records and unclear duty assignments in Thailand.

The Board has determined that service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is granted as it is directly related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's type I diabetes is found to be related to his active military service, specifically the period from February 21, 2004, to May 25, 2005. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, hypertension, a right knee disability, a circulatory condition, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found no credible or competent evidence of current disabilities in these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since military service.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed cardiovascular disorder, pulmonary disorder, diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension due to exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and hypertension. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain medical records and clarify the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus Type II. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on all theories of service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to March 14, 2009 and increased to 40 percent since that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including consideration of a claim to reopen service connection for diabetes mellitus and review of all evidence received since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his hearing preferences. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus disability is currently rated at 40 percent, the highest rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The claim to reopen his psychiatric disability has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the extremities, effectively preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment. With the resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the requirements for a TDIU have been met throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, and cataracts. The Veteran's gout/arthritis of hands and feet is not shown to have become manifest in service or be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.