Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected appendectomy scar was granted, and the issue of reopening his diabetes mellitus type II claim was also granted. The rating assigned is 10 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides during service in Thailand and Vietnam. As such, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's death was caused by hemorrhagic stroke due to chronic hypertension. The appellant claims that the cause of death may have been diabetes mellitus type II, which is presumed related to Agent Orange exposure. However, service connection cannot be granted on a presumptive basis for hypertension or hemorrhagic stroke as they are not among the diseases linked to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether diabetes mellitus caused or contributed to the Veteran's death and if his hypertension was related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new opinion on the relationship between his diabetes and back condition. His TDIU claim will also be remanded to obtain an examination that considers the combined impact of all service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a VA medical evaluation to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the May 2006 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, PAD, AAA, and DM were found to be a likely contributing factor in his death. The Veteran was granted DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II on the basis of herbicide exposure during his military service in Korea. The Board has ordered additional development to verify this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding service treatment records and VA medical records, as well as for information from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran should be provided with a new VA examination performed by an endocrinologist.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested the withdrawal of his appeal for the issues listed on the cover page.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and reviewing VA outpatient treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including depression and anxiety), and headaches were denied. The claim to reopen the disability manifested by muscle and joint pain was also denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the existence of current diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for hypertension, which was secondary to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need to confirm the use of pesticides during his military service and obtain treatment records. A VA examination will be scheduled if it is confirmed that he was exposed to pesticides.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, as his combined rating is at least 60 percent and he has multiple service-connected conditions that limit his ability to work. The Board finds the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin cancer, both claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure, are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during service and there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus due to any other aspect of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.