Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Board finds no evidence to support the appellant's claim that asbestosis exposure during service contributed to cause his death.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, which was diagnosed and treated during his VA care. The Board finds the April 2008 VA examination inadequate to determine if the Veteran currently has diabetes mellitus, type II, and remands for a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The issue is whether diabetes mellitus causes or aggravates essential hypertension.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, but does not necessitate regulation of activities. The disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA opinion on whether the Veteran's pancreatitis and liver cancer were related to his service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, edema of the lower extremities, and other acquired psychiatric disabilities have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any service connection related to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted retroactively effective from January 26, 2002. The earliest possible effective date for the grant of this TDIU is when he filed his underlying claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not shown to have had its onset during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Korea. The Board denied the claim as the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension are not service-connected, as there is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure in service. The skin condition claim is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during or after his military service. The claims for increased evaluations for an acquired psychiatric disorder and residuals of lung cancer were also denied.

The Veteran's death was due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and knee replacements. The appellant is entitled to accrued benefits for a TDIU based on the Veteran's pending claim at the time of his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of benefits.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for diabetes mellitus and is remanding the remaining issues of service connection for hepatitis C, a low back disability, and postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been caused by in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's hypertension is presumed to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and a heart disorder are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to be related to his service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's numbness of the hands and his service or any other conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. Separate compensable ratings for renal dysfunction and erectile dysfunction are not warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated. This includes obtaining VA treatment records and any medical and legal documents pertaining to the Veteran's application for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.