Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's initial evaluations for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension have been granted, with the diabetes receiving a 20 percent evaluation. The hypertension has not received any separate evaluation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on his employability given his service-connected disabilities and level of education.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and hypertension. The case must be remanded to obtain additional development including obtaining the Veteran's Air National Guard service records and updated treatment records, as well as an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy with chronic prostatitis was previously denied, but new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim. The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of wisdom teeth, tinnitus, vision loss, hypertension, and type II diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need to obtain his service personnel records and determine if he served in Vietnam or on the U.S.S. Vancouver during the relevant time period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA mental disorders examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an increased initial rating for depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU remain inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's heart disease is presumed to have been incurred in service. Service connection for hypertension and right shoulder disorder are denied. Diabetes mellitus, type II was granted a 10% rating from May 10, 2004 to May 21, 2007, and a 20% rating effective May 22, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral retinopathy were denied as there is no credible evidence of current disability, an in-service event or disease, or a nexus between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 26, 2008 did not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was not incurred in or aggravated during active service and is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for bronchitis and a left foot disorder. The remaining issues have not been decided by the Board.

The Board has established an effective date of September 9, 2003 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to Agent Orange. An earlier effective date is not granted as there was no prior claim received before this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to discrepancies in his service records and the need for further clarification of his service history. The VA will obtain any outstanding treatment records, clarify his service location during the relevant time period, and schedule him for a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, eye condition, nail condition, and skin condition to include as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The disability ratings were not increased for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the purpose of obtaining additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records that may be relevant to his claims. The claims will then be reconsidered.