Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a VA examination for the severity of his diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy, as well as to obtain additional treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim and determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's death and his presumed in-service herbicide exposure, which contributed to his death. The service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Veteran's cause of death, nephrotic syndrome renal failure and adult onset diabetes mellitus, was not service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The primary issue is determining if his service-connected diabetes mellitus warrants a higher disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent due to his current treatment and lack of restrictions on activities.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory/pulmonary disorder (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after his military service, nor is there evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen her previously denied claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for diabetes mellitus and gluteal liposarcoma as secondary to such exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a comprehensive examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has found no evidence of a current disability related to service connection for DVT and denied the claim. The diabetes mellitus, type II, claim is remanded as VA's duty to assist requires an examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's currently diagnosed diabetes mellitus, Type II, had its onset in or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange during service or a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus within one year after separation from active duty. The preponderance of the evidence did not support the claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic esophageal carcinoma, with coronary artery disease and type II diabetes mellitus contributing to his death. The Board finds that the appellant has provided credible testimony supporting her claim that the Veteran served in Vietnam during active service, which is necessary for presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e). As a result, the cause of the Veteran's death was incurred during active service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show a link between his service and the condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including hypertension, bilateral foot disability, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, ankle and leg disabilities, and diabetes mellitus. The case will be re-adjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant and his representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and hypertension prior to January 7, 2009 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not shown to be related to service, including presumed exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. The claim is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The MRSA infection occurred after he was discharged from VA care and admitted to a private hospital.