Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, with associated peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, carotid endarectomy, and peripheral vascular disease, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his heart disease and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by her active duty service, nor is it presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a diagnosed disability during service and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a right shoulder disorder, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service onset. The claim for increased rating for gastritis and stomach ulcers was also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with hypertension is evaluated at a 40% rating, which meets the criteria for this condition. There are no separate ratings for hypertension as it is considered part of the diabetic process.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran also contends he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, but the evidence does not support this claim as there are no indications of significant functional impairment or inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.