Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that an increase to a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and residuals of prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to environmental hazards during service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence and outstanding VA treatment records, including those from Syracuse Hospital and Cortland-Ithaca outpatient clinic.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, including as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran alleges exposure while aboard ship in blue waters off the coast of Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and right lower extremity sciatica are not due to any incident or event in military service, nor is it caused or aggravated by his diabetes mellitus.,VA medical opinions were provided which supported the conclusion that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to service-connected diabetes and has also determined that the Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease due to Agent Orange exposure and lower extremity peripheral artery disorder are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The issue of burial benefits in excess of $300.00 is without jurisdiction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his combined rating of 90 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus, migraine headaches, or flat feet related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, characterized by peripheral neuropathy and diminished facial strength, was granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent effective June 23, 2003. The associated neurological residuals were also rated accordingly.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is service-connected.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted due to herbicide exposure during service in Korea.,Chronic upper respiratory disorder (bronchial asthma) is not service-connected.,Depressive disorder secondary to service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not service-connected.,Low back disorder is not service-connected.,Intestinal disorder is not service-connected.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, which requires insulin use, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was reduced from a 40 percent rating to a 20 percent rating effective August 1, 2007. The Board found that the reduction was proper and denied restoration of the 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, as the medication used to treat both conditions has been linked by a physician to ED.

The Veteran's tinnitus, asbestosis, and diabetes mellitus type 2 (diabetes) were all found to be related to service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he contends is related to his service-connected heart disease. The claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and to obtain missing VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarification of whether the Veteran is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment solely due to his service-connected disabilities. The RO should obtain a clarifying opinion from the examiner who conducted the December 2010 VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his service at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) in Thailand is presumed related to his diabetes.