Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 40 percent since October 16, 2003. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not demonstrate episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 4, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his combined rating is at least 80 percent. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met from August 20, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetic retinopathy are found to be aggravated or caused by his service-connected diabetes.,Entitlement to service connection for weight loss is denied as there is no current disability diagnosed.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, with hypertension and impotence. The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA/medical records. A VA examination will be scheduled to evaluate the status of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eye disability, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship to military service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further proceedings due to the need for an updated VA examination and consideration of his service-connected disabilities in determining his employability.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension cannot be established as they were not shown to have manifested in service or within one year of service discharge. Service connection for below the right knee amputation and residuals of left foot surgery is also denied due to lack of evidence establishing a link between these conditions and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including headaches, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, an eye disorder, a lung disorder (respiratory), a pituitary tumor, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not support these claims based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, requiring insulin and a restricted diet but not regulation of activities, is currently rated at 20 percent. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing, and will not make any decision on the merits until further proceedings are completed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 30, 2008. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected disabilities and does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disability, and endocrine system disability, as they are not related to his period of active service or any disease or injury therein. The conditions were also deemed less likely due to non-ionizing radiation exposure from radars.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board finds that additional development is needed to confirm the Veteran's presence in Vietnam and his exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to his active military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. His gastritis claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Veteran's bilateral cataracts due to diabetes mellitus, type II have been rated as noncompensable since July 9, 2001. The Board finds that the current rating is appropriate given the Veteran's corrected vision of 20/20 in both eyes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are not of such severity as to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.