Diabetes decisions — 2012

The Veteran's right below-the-knee amputation was not shown to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus at the time of his death, and thus he is not entitled to accrued benefits for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides used in Thailand. The Board also found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the current diabetes mellitus to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in the Philippines and his diabetes did not manifest within one year after discharge.

The Board denied service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and blindness, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causative factors.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type I or type II, was not incurred in service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a low back disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, right lumbar radioculopathy, and other conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his physical limitations and mental health issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes and granted it based on herbicide exposure in Thailand. The effective date will be set at the date of the original claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Diabetes Mellitus, Type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence related to the claimed stressors and the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death, kidney failure, was found to be related to his service-connected PTSD and the underlying conditions of diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. As these conditions are presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating increase are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing proper notice.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the evaluation for diabetes mellitus from 40% to 20% was proper, and no further increase in evaluation is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying Vietnam service. The Veteran's claim of diabetes mellitus is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus, type II, has been denied due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was not shown to be related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II was rated at 10 percent from February 8, 2006 to April 10, 2007 and at 20 percent since April 11, 2007. Erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are also service-connected as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that further development of the evidence is required before the claims can be adjudicated, and these cases are being remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC).