Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for hypertension was denied as it is not at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, claimed as due to herbicide exposure or ionizing radiation is being remanded for further investigation and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied by the Board, and his claim for service connection for a lung disability was not addressed as it is considered a separate issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The issues of increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, left knee chondromalacia patella, and entitlement to a TDIU are all pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, which he claims is related to his exposure to herbicides in service. The Board has ordered additional development of the record and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure in service or a causal link to service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus based on Agent Orange exposure and granted it.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to his active duty. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current left eye glaucoma and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and malignant melanoma were denied as these conditions are not related to his active service. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era and thus there is no presumption of exposure to herbicides. The secondary service connection claims for CAD, diabetic retinopathy (claimed as blindness), peripheral neuropathy, and renal insufficiency were also denied.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. As such, the claim for DIC benefits due to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy; and background diabetic retinopathy are granted. The claim for service connection for impotence is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the appellant's request. The claim will be returned after the hearing.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which he claims is related to his military service and exposure to Agent Orange. The case has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination by an endocrinologist experienced in diagnosing and treating DM.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service does not meet the basic criteria for eligibility to nonservice-connected pension benefits as he did not serve during a period of war. The claims of service connection for TBI, nerve damage, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, facial acne, and respiratory disorder are remanded for further development.

The Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, at least for the period from December 4, 2007, to January 28, 2009.

The Veteran's hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus are rated at a 10% disability level due to manageable symptoms with no need for insulin or hospitalization.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no current diagnosis of diabetes and thus not meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident is granted. The issue of an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on housebound status is deferred pending resolution of the diabetes claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's Reserve service dates and a need for a supplemental VA examination.