Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran died due to renal failure and diabetes mellitus, which were not service-connected. The claim for DIC was denied as there is no evidence that the cause of death was related to service or a service-connected disability. The claim for recognition of the Veteran's son as a helpless child was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation above 10 percent for seasonal allergic rhinitis with reactive airway disease, diabetes mellitus was not incurred in active duty, hyperlipidemia is a laboratory finding, joint pain as a manifestation of a separately diagnosed disability from the service-connected left ankle arthritis and cervical and thoracolumbar spine arthritis did not have its onset during active military service, a thoracic spine disability representing a separately diagnosed disability from the service-connected thoracolumbar spine arthritis was not incurred in active duty, obstructive sleep apnea did not have its onset during active military service and is not etiologically related to, or otherwise worsened beyond its natural clinical progression by, service-connected seasonal allergic rhinitis with reactive airway disease. The claims for tuberculosis, a corneal abrasion of the right eye, and CTS of the left wrist were denied as well.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance are met.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he claims is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issue can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as further development of his exposure history.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling since March 2009. The VA examination revealed that the Veteran's right and left ear hearing loss are both Level III, resulting in a noncompensable rating.,There is no evidence of diabetes mellitus being incurred or aggravated by service. The Veteran's initial treatment for diabetes mellitus occurred years after his military service ended.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have incurred in active duty military service due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for hypertension, a heart disorder, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for additional development.

The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's additional disability is not deemed to be proximately due to VA care, but rather a result of his own medical conditions and events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes, hypertension, an eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or hepatitis C that is attributable to his period of active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for ED remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, end stage renal disease (also claimed as kidney transplant), and pancreas transplant are all granted. The appeal regarding the issue of nonservice-connected pension benefits is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been granted due to the loss of use of at least one foot as a result of service-connected disabilities. The issue of reopening the sterility claim is remanded.

The case is being remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and transferring the Veteran's file to an RO nearest his current residence in Georgia.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred during his service in Vietnam due to exposure to herbicides. The Board finds the Veteran's testimony credible and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, claimed as a result of herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification regarding his service records and potential etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board also granted a TDIU rating effective from August 29, 2007.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is not warranted.