Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral pes planus are related to service. The claims for these conditions will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, onychomycosis of the right foot, and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since July 10, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient development of his Agent Orange exposure claim and the need for a VA examination regarding his vertigo with dizziness and nausea.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities has been rated as 40 percent disabling since March 17, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and for a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The issues of an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD since March 1, 2008, and entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.,The effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is set at June 18, 2003, which is the effective date of service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted in May 2006.,The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also set at June 18, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus (Type II) with peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and interstitial lung disease due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Veteran's hypertension is not related to his diabetes.

The Board found no credible evidence of a bilateral knee injury in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C and cirrhosis have been granted an initial rating of 10 percent. The Board has also found that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, granting a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type I, Parkinson's disease, essential tremors, and a pulmonary disorder due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran served in Vietnam or was exposed to herbicides during his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for further development and review of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and his ability to work.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered to be service-connected due to exposure during the Vietnam Era, as he set foot in the Republic of Vietnam. The disability meets the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer and diabetes mellitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, which was a significant condition contributing to his death, may be presumed to have been incurred in service. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiner's opinion is inadequate, and the case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate notice and missing VA treatment records. The RO must provide proper notice letters, obtain relevant VA medical records, clarify the status of his missing service treatment records, and schedule him for a VA audiology examination.