Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation higher than 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive medical examination and consideration of recent treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for periodontitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus, but also noted that there was no evidence of unemployability due to this disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, as his unemployability is primarily due to non-service-connected physical disabilities from a post-service work injury.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran does not have type II diabetes mellitus that is attributable to military service and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision also addressed a claim for erectile dysfunction but did not specify its disposition.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for diabetes mellitus or a bilateral eye disability as there is no evidence of these conditions in service, and the Veteran's statements regarding their onset are not credible.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing formal notice of the information and evidence necessary to reopen his service connection claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records and private eye clinic records, as well as a VA examination for his depression claim. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board determined that there was no competent evidence linking the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and its associated conditions to his chemical exposure during service. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service or actual exposure to herbicides. As a result, presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded to schedule a hearing before a Member of the Board at his local VA office.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during or immediately after service and it did not manifest within one year of separation. The presumption of exposure to Agent Orange does not apply due to lack of in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to confirm the Veteran's exposure to chemicals and radiation during his service at Eareckson Air Station in Alaska. Additionally, a VA examination is required for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus type II are presumed to be related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a military sexual trauma. However, his right lower extremity neurological disorder is not service-connected as it is related to diabetes rather than his service-connected ankle fracture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records, clarify representation status, and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence and unclear diagnoses.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 40 percent rating due to regulation of activities.