Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and boils. It also denied his requests for increased evaluations for Meniere's Disease, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, residuals of a recurrent right ankle sprain, and residuals of a left wrist fracture.

The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II associated with herbicide exposure. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current voiding dysfunction is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right great toe disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating based on current severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to herbicides because the evidence did not show a current diagnosis of DM.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. The Veteran has been granted a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD since September 2, 2005, and is also granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea pedis, and a rash-type disorder involving the chest and legs.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand, and further development is needed to determine if service connection can be established on a direct basis.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus was denied, as the evidence did not show that his condition required insulin or episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing due to lack of compliance with a prior remand. The issue remains on appeal regarding service connection for ocular manifestations secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetic polyneuropathy of the left and right lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since October 20, 2010.

The Veteran's diabetes was not incurred in or aggravated during service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, a skin disorder of the feet, a rectal disorder, GERD, and prostate disorder. The Board found no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, both presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, are granted. The claim for hypertension is denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to service. The cause of death claim is also denied due to lack of evidence connecting the Veteran's death to any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy and posttraumatic stress disorder, have resulted in a permanent and total disability rating. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is directly related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.