Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral foot condition, and left eye condition. The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and seizure disorder. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claimed Vietnam-era exposure and service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus required a restricted diet only prior to May 13, 2005. Medication for diabetes, including insulin, was required beginning May 13, 2005; there is no evidence of restriction of activities due to DM.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 40% disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as of April 22, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder substantially contributed to his death, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and was therefore not exposed to herbicides. As a result, service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and cardiovascular disease (CAD) cannot be granted based on presumptive exposure or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues raised in a Court decision, and further action is required by the RO.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus warrants a 100 percent evaluation for the entire appeal period, based on at least twice daily insulin injections, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions and any other potentially related conditions contributed to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims based on the current medical records and available evidence.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 70 percent, meeting the threshold requirement for TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable as he has worked in property management and self-employment.

The Veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, New York from December 22 to December 24, 2008 is denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and the Veteran was stable for transfer.

The Veteran seeks service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange/herbicides in service. However, the RO found insufficient evidence to substantiate his claim and remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the extent of his service-connected disabilities' impact on his ability to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need for additional records and clarification of issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a gynecological condition to include residuals of hysterectomy for carcinoma in situ, and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or any other basis.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted service connection due to in-service Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is also granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in his need for regular aid and attendance, including the inability to dress or undress himself, the inability to attend to his hygiene, the need to frequently adjust any special prosthetic or orthopedic appliance, the inability to feed himself or attend to the wants of nature, the incapacity to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment; and the Veteran is not bedridden.