Diabetes decisions — 2013

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed because his service-connected disabilities already grant him a total schedular rating, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's private medical records, including those from his last month of life. The case will be remanded for a new opinion regarding whether any service-connected disability contributed to or caused the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and hypertensive vascular disease, as well as his claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus from December 30, 2009. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II and determined that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a formal determination on whether the Veteran served in-country in Vietnam and arranging for additional development. The claim will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic retinopathy has been rated at 20 percent since August 8, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating based on his visual acuity and visual field impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for borderline diabetes was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the condition is not related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The Board also finds that the Veteran has erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the extremities which are likely caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) is being remanded as there are outstanding records that need to be obtained and reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his diabetes and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. Additionally, he must be provided with statements of the case on issues related to reopening his gastritis claim and increased ratings for hip disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches was granted, with the Board finding that by extending the benefit of doubt to the Veteran, his headache disorder is related to events of his active service. The diabetes mellitus claim remains pending as additional evidence and development are required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of burning foot syndrome, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and granted it as the evidence shows he was exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam. The condition is presumed to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not present during her period of active service and there is no evidence linking the condition to service. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and traumatic brain injury are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's hypothyroidism disability is not increased beyond the currently assigned 10% rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling another hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was in need of regular aid and attendance between September 2007 and his death. The case is therefore REMANDED for such development.

The Veteran's appeal of his TDIU claim prior to November 2012 is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.