Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus manifested within one year of his separation from active duty, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the claim of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected residuals of prostate cancer prior to December 1, 2009, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter. The remaining claims of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee are addressed.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the severity of his diabetes mellitus and any related complications, as well as his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining scientific evidence from Dr. R-N and possibly arranging for an examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for increased rating of diabetes mellitus remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's service is not considered to meet the criteria for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits due to insufficient qualifying military service during a period of war.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or treatment for diabetes, and the Board found that the current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, COPD, connective tissue disease with high fevers, and skin disorder with scars, were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right index finger disability was aggravated by service, but his diabetes mellitus type II was incurred in or presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's character of discharge is a bar to VA benefits and whether he is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Burial Benefits.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction was rated at 40 percent from August 20, 2007. The disability is currently manifested by the use of insulin and oral medication, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and associated nephropathy have been evaluated based on their direct effects, without considering any presumptive or secondary service connection theories. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and carcinoma of the left cheek, finding no in-service injury or disease, no continuity of symptoms since service separation, and no herbicide exposure.,The Board also found that there was no causation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a perforated right tympanic membrane resulting from VA treatment.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a direct link between the Veteran's military service and his current health issues.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The effective dates for the other issues remain pending as they are not decided.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current disability level.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not show regulation of activities due to diabetes.