Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus was improper and restored the Veteran's eligibility for this benefit.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no clear medical evidence establishing that his alcohol abuse was caused by his service-connected left knee DJD and not due to willful misconduct.

The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service in South Korea and has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, but the claim for DIC benefits is granted as a greater benefit than death pension benefits. The claim for accrued benefits and death pension benefits are also granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been rated at 20 percent and is now granted a higher rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, with complications of neuropathy as a result of exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam and granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus as presumptively due to such exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure during his time at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. The Board granted the claim as it found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides and currently suffers from a compensable degree of diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 10, 2008. Effective December 11, 2008, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gall bladder disorder, and liver disorder as these conditions are not etiologically related to the Veteran's service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities and related issues, including a determination on higher level aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Type II diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (BPNLE), prostate problems, Parkinson's disease, and memory loss, all claimed as related to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities from November 22, 2010 to June 24, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a travel board hearing. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and amputation are still pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure have been denied. The claim for high blood pressure is being remanded to the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and bladder disability is denied. The current evaluations assigned are deemed appropriate.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus, type II, and various orthopedic conditions. The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative joint disease/degenerative disc disease does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent, and his service-connected right leg sciatica does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.