Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's hypertension was not present in service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence that it is related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his alleged exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to incomplete records, including those from Dr. L. MacGorman.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, residuals of nose fracture, bilateral knee disorder, and persistent strep throat disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain National Guard treatment records and VA outpatient clinic records, as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claim will also be reviewed with the assistance of a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus could not establish presumptive exposure to herbicides. The skin cancer was not associated with herbicide exposure, and there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus being related to service.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction were denied as they are not related to service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further action by the originating agency due to new evidence received after a previous SSOC was issued.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is of service origin and grants service connection for this condition. The decision on whether the Veteran's coronary artery disease, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus, was incurred in service remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was manifested by the need for a restricted diet and insulin, but not regulation of activities. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted prior to September 13, 2004.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with associated diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic nephropathy are currently rated at 20 percent. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for separate compensable evaluations for any of these conditions or for peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension due to potential exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The Veteran is required to provide additional information regarding his SSA benefits and VA medical examinations are needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides in Thailand and whether he had a layover in Vietnam enroute from San Francisco.

The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but denied service connection for obesity. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral knee disabilities are not considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, lumbar strain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, and sciatic radiculopathy, require him to use a wheelchair for mobility. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating, and referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Veteran's diabetes has been rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's arteriosclerotic vascular disease with aortic valve replacement is not related to his service, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents or service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and a heart disability. The appeal is not about exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.