Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under current criteria. The Board found that his diabetes requires insulin and a restricted diet but not regulation of activities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type-II was service connected effective August 15, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board finds that additional development is needed before rendering a decision on this matter.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, with the exception of reopening a claim for residuals of infectious hepatitis. The initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran seeks eligibility for Class III dental treatment and reimbursement of dental expenses related to the removal of unspecified teeth due to diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected peptic ulcer disease contributed to his fatal small bowel cancer, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found no direct service connection for the iritis, but granted secondary service connection based on diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's eye disorder is not related to active duty.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 60%, which meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. However, he is not unemployable solely due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension due to lack of exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's diabetes did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not result in episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected conditions, prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to be due to exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) during service, and the Board grants service connection for type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's death was caused by gastric cancer, and the appellant is seeking service connection for the cause of his death. She also seeks DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 due to alleged fault on the part of VA medical providers in not discovering his gastric cancer earlier.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA treatment records from the Detroit VAMC for the period of 1970-1975 and SSA disability benefit records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death due to diabetes mellitus is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right thigh disability, to include involuntary body movement and pain, is not related to his diabetes mellitus or service-connected lymphoblastic lymphoma. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition was denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.