Diabetes decisions — 2011

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to ischemic heart disease, hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure and diabetes. However, there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; left BKA; impotence; and poor circulation of the right foot. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is presumed due to herbicide exposure, which supports his claim for diabetes mellitus. His left BKA and related conditions are also service connected as they are secondary to his diabetes. Impotence and poor circulation of the right foot are also service connected.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of death, but further medical opinion is needed to determine if yellow fever or other conditions during service caused or contributed to cardiomyopathy and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, resulting in diabetes mellitus and other conditions, is considered to have been incurred due to service exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II was denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to type II diabetes mellitus, which was found to be a significant contributing cause. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides in service and the presumptions outlined in 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e) apply.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus was not related to his active service and the Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The current disability rating of 20 percent is maintained.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred during active military service due to exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring all pertinent evidence is considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity warrants a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to coronary artery disease. Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and kidney disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a statement of the case on service connection for coronary artery disease and an examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred in service as a result of herbicide exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a respiratory disorder, finding no evidence of in-service exposure or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining his Reserve service records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities is not service-connected, as it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants the claim for service connection.