Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Veteran's death was caused by esophageal cancer and congestive heart failure. The Board found that his diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to be related to service-connected exposure to herbicides, contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, including records from his attending physician and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determination. The VA will also schedule a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and prostate cancer were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after his military service. The Board found that the presumptive service connection provisions do not apply due to lack of exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation, finding no evidence of prior claims. The claim for ischemic heart disease was remanded to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service, and to obtain VA treatment records. The claims for service connection are remanded.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, claiming it is due to exposure to hazardous and toxic materials during service. The Board finds additional development is needed regarding the likelihood of such exposure and its relationship to his current condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's erectile dysfunction was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and whether this claim should be granted based on a presumption of exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and there were no pending claims for VA benefits at the time of his death. Therefore, accrued benefits are denied.

The Veteran claims service connection for type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service. The case is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected myelodysplasia, which is presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure during service. The cause of death was respiratory failure due to COPD, with other significant conditions contributing to death including myelodysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and right bundle branch block. The Board finds that additional development is needed prior to deciding the claim, including a VA examination to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II and determine its etiology, as well as a VA cardiological examination to determine whether the Veteran has a current cardiac disability.

The Veteran's eye disability, including diabetic retinopathy, was not shown to be related to service or service-connected diabetes.,With resolution of doubt in the Veteran's favor, his peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of verification regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Guam, and for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection as it began during active service. The other issues on appeal are related to higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, nephropathy with edema and hypertension, and gout.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, PTSD and a skin disorder has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and could not be presumed to have been so incurred due to exposure to an herbicidal agent. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.