Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, as his combined service-connected disabilities (80% and later 90%) meet the criteria for a TDIU. The VA examiner found that all of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetes mellitus type 2, aggravated his rosacea.

The Veteran seeks service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, including as due to herbicide and/or asbestos exposure. The matter has been remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides while stationed on the USS Jenkins during his Vietnam-era military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current manifestations.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Board.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee degenerative changes are likely due to an injury sustained during his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The claim regarding diabetes mellitus is also granted as it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service records and verifying periods of active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that his exposure to Agent Orange was not supported by evidence and that his current disabilities were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, effective September 1, 2010.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus had its onset during service or within one year of discharge, and it was not caused by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The medical expert opined that weight gain did not cause the diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his other service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran served in Vietnam and whether his service connection claim should be granted based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and the disease did not manifest within one year post-service. The claims for back and left arm disabilities are pending.

The Veteran was granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, both presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. However, the issue of service connection for bladder cancer is pending as it remains unclear if it is related to his service-connected prostate cancer.,Bladder cancer secondary to prostate cancer is not a presumptive condition under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for dyslipidemia, as it is a laboratory finding and not a disability under VA law. The Veteran's claims of increased PTSD rating, diabetes mellitus type II, and heart disability to include hypertension are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus Type II is found to be due to or aggravated by service, specifically his duty as a security policeman on the perimeter of Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base during a period when such duties were presumed to expose him to herbicides.

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, as it does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate claims involving deceased veterans.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicides in Okinawa, and further development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.