Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, the new evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on April 9, 2008 were not reimbursable because the treatment was not related to a service-connected disability and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, Type II, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to his exposure to herbicides during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board finds that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is more likely than not incurred as a result of service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of frostbite of the feet. The issue regarding whether diabetes mellitus is due to or aggravated by PTSD remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his underlying conditions, but these conditions were not service-connected. The appellant did not provide credible evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, and cerebral arteriosclerosis each warranted a specific disability rating. The diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, diabetic retinopathy at noncompensable (as it did not meet the criteria for compensability), erectile dysfunction at noncompensable, and cerebral arteriosclerosis at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and the reopening of his skin disorder claim have been dismissed due to his withdrawal.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service or his service-connected diabetes. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred during his active service in Thailand due to herbicide exposure, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and Vet Center treatment records, clarifying whether the Veteran applied for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, scheduling examinations to assess the severity of PTSD and any other claimed disabilities, and seeking medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, requiring insulin, restricted diet and regulation of activities, has been rated at 40 percent since February 19, 2008. The issue of a total rating based on individual unemployability by reason of service-connected disability is being remanded to the RO.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities are sufficient by themselves to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was managed by a restricted diet and exercise prior to March 13, 2007. However, it was uncontrolled and he refused recommended medication. From March 13, 2007, the Veteran began using an oral hypoglycemic agent.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, effective June 6, 2002. The evidence does not show that the disability requires insulin or a restricted diet and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 26, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining SSA records and providing a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on current medical evidence showing that his diabetes requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.