Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are currently rated at 20 percent for each condition, with no higher ratings granted. The Board finds that these current ratings adequately reflect the severity of the disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional opinions regarding his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to October 16, 2007 and increased to 40 percent effective October 27, 2009. The rating of 40 percent is maintained as the evidence does not show that he required regulation of activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development due to the need for service personnel records and unit history documentation related to his claimed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction, currently rated at 20 percent, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his condition is adequately addressed by the current disability evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, a cardiac disability, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence that he served in Vietnam or was exposed to herbicides during his military service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus. However, it was determined that there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury, nor is there any evidence suggesting the conditions are related to service, including Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is granted as it was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus did not require insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. Prior to April 8, 2009, his hypertension was not productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. Beginning on April 8, 2009, his hypertension did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his employment history.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) was denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other potential causative factors.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a back disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, finding it presumptively incurred due to exposure to herbicides during active duty. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy as a complication of diabetes mellitus type II is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, broken bones of feet, and retinopathy were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The presumption of herbicide exposure is not applicable due to lack of evidence of such exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Therefore, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 are still pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to a failure to obtain deck logs from the USS Annapolis, which may contain information relevant to the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and his service connection claims.