Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type 2 have been granted service connection, but the RO has not assigned any higher initial evaluations as of October 1, 2007. The evidence does not support a finding that either condition warrants an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. A new VA examination will also be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected gastroenteritis.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for type 2 diabetes due to new and material evidence. However, there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other confirmed Agent Orange exposure. As such, presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure cannot be established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and shrapnel wounds) represent an 80 percent disability rating. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus and hypertension has been denied as the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and depression, diabetes mellitus, type II, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD due to in-service stressors or exposure to herbicides. Service treatment records did not show any mental health issues during service, and the Veteran's psychiatric state at separation was normal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA in the Army Reserves. The VA will obtain these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit sought remains denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in active service and is not causally related to or aggravated by any service-connected disability. The claim for hypertension will be remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cataracts were not incurred during service or due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, arthritis of multiple joints, a respiratory disability, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability (asbestosis, COPD, emphysema) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his coronary artery insufficiency and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which were found to be etiologically related to his diabetes mellitus. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found no credible evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand, and thus denied service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension based on a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is secondary to his diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the lack of an adequate opinion regarding the relationship between hypertension and both diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his disability is currently rated at 20 percent and there are no additional complications or restrictions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with onychomycosis and erectile dysfunction. The claim will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of a link between the condition and his military service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection was denied for Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of information required to corroborate herbicide exposure, and the Veteran's claim for service connection is now pending with VA.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service, including during active duty for training.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no direct evidence of in-service herbicide exposure and insufficient secondary service connection due to hypertension and/or coronary artery disease.