Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension are being remanded due to incomplete records, particularly from his period of active duty in 1990/1991. The Board will attempt to obtain these records and determine if the disabilities had their onset during this time.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is manifested by more than one daily injection of insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities, with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year. The Board has granted a 100% evaluation for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to uncertainty regarding the severity of his diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, requiring further examination.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's VA treatment records from West Palm Beach VAMC, Gainesville VAMC, and Fort Pierce VA Outpatient Clinic to support his claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an opinion regarding whether his combined disability rating renders him unemployable.

The Board is remanding the case to determine the current severity of the Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, as findings from previous examinations were not adequately addressed in the June 2009 decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and PTSD service connection claims for further development, including obtaining a VA opinion regarding the initial onset of his diabetes mellitus and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently-diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), a dental condition, and a bilateral eye disorder. The remaining claims were also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to be the result of a disease process that started during his military service.

The Board has determined that the termination of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was improper, as it had not been in effect long enough to warrant a reduction. The Veteran's disability remains severe enough to require such benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims for carotid body tumor, itchy bumps on scalp and fatty oily skin bump/acne under the eye, bowel constipation, extreme coughing until nauseous, sleep apnea, problems with teeth, numbness in arms and shoulders while sleeping, and enlarged prostate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his claimed exposure to chemicals/herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, claimed as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment was denied as his conditions, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for loss of use of lower extremities or vision due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for below-the-knee amputation of the right lower extremity is denied. The Board finds that his disability picture does not approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating due to his prosthesis being controlled by natural knee action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand, which is necessary for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and right knee disability were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service. The claim for increased rating of right foot plantar fasciitis was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy do not warrant a higher disability rating, as they are currently managed with diet and insulin without requiring regulation of activities or hospitalization for complications.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, Type II as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for a low back disorder was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.