Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher rating have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his diabetes mellitus, type 2, hypertension, renal hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disorder, COPD, was not incurred during service and denied his claim for service connection. The diabetes mellitus claim is pending on remand.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request and will be scheduled for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather related issues.

The Veteran's death was due to an accidental methadone overdose. His service-connected disabilities, including a left ankle sprain and major depressive disorder, did not meet the criteria for increased ratings or TDIU benefits at the time of his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination for arthritis of the bilateral hips.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension was denied, and his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with diabetic complications (including eye condition, kidney condition, and poor circulation) was not adjudicated as it is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently experiences diabetes mellitus type II, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of these claims as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and oligospermia was denied. The Board found that a current disability has not been demonstrated for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for malignant melanoma has been reopened and granted. He is now entitled to a 50% evaluation for PTSD, effective from the date of his claim.,He is also entitled to an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, with a current evaluation of 40%. His TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding the likely etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether it was incurred during active service.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes or hypertension in service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The claims for Type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension were denied.

The Veteran's type 2 diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and it may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the claim is denied.

The Board finds that the cause of death, a cerebrovascular accident with pancreatic cancer as a contributing factor, is not related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension, which is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, has been remanded due to the need for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II requires insulin and a restricted diet, but no regulation of activities. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20% rating for service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show that he required medication to control his diabetes during the period prior to May 26, 2009.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to decide the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.