Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred as a result of his military service due to exposure to herbicides. The skin disorder claim remains pending.

The Board has restored service connection for hypertension and granted an increased disability rating of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cataracts, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus, have rendered him unemployable. However, a VA examination is needed to assess the combined effect of these conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as due to herbicide exposure has been granted with a 20% disability rating effective April 1, 2011. The claim was reopened on new evidence received after the initial denial in August 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other incidents of service that could link these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that diabetes mellitus did not have its onset in service, was not related to service, and sarcoidosis had no active manifestations or residuals warranting a compensable evaluation. For hallux valgus of the right foot, the maximum schedular rating (10%) is already assigned. For hallux valgus of the left foot, the maximum schedular rating (10%) is also already assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of the claims, including a review by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent prior to October 15, 2008 and at 40 percent as of that date. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities has been rated at 20 percent since May 18, 2012.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred in service or due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence of Vietnam service and the appellant could not provide any records of alleged exposure.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides or a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new psychiatric examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the appellant's service connection claims, including an evaluation by a physician to determine the onset of Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicides in Okinawa, as well as obtain additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic neuropathy with CTS of the RUE and LUE, as well as for diabetic neuropathy of the RLE and LLE, were denied. The conditions are currently manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis in both upper extremities and mild to moderate incomplete paralysis in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, OSA, high cholesterol, and erectile dysfunction were not shown to be related to his service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran is granted specially adapted housing due to permanent and total service-connected disability, specifically the loss of use of both lower extremities. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses of ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II are not related to his service or exposure to herbicides in Thailand. As such, these claims for service connection must be denied.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer as secondary to Agent Orange exposure in Thailand, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at RTAFB Korat.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been manifested by the need for insulin and a restricted diet but does not require regulation of activities. The Board finds that the disability picture is fully contemplated by the rating criteria and no extraschedular referral is required.

The Veteran's diabetes, hypertension, and bilateral cataracts are rated as part of the diabetic process. No separate compensable ratings for these conditions are warranted.