Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7913, which requires insulin and a restricted diet. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his diabetes mellitus does not require regulation of activities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen these claims. The Board also found no service connection for certain disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left ankle muscle sprains was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis of the ankle in plantar flexion at more than 40 degrees or in dorsiflexion at more than 10 degrees. The TDIU claim was also denied due to the Veteran's combined disability rating and his ability to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to his service, including any exposure to hazardous chemicals. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, a compensable disability evaluation for hallux valgus and pes planus disabilities. The decision also noted that there was no evidence of diabetes being incurred during service or due to Anthrax vaccinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicides in Thailand and insufficient medical evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy of the eyes with pigment epithelial detachment is etiologically related to service, including conceded herbicide exposure. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, have been denied due to a lack of diagnosed disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant in a statement received in October 2014.

The Veteran's major depression with psychotic features, type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are presumed to be related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The left knee disability is not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to any service-connected disability, including his right shoulder arthritis. The primary causes of death were acute renal failure, congestive heart failure, and pleural effusion, which did not have their onset in service or within one year post-service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and adjudicating his service connection claims. The special monthly compensation claim will be remanded pending the outcome of these issues.

The Board finds that none of the claimed disabilities are related to service, and thus service connection is denied for all issues.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was managed with oral glucose medication and restricted diet prior to December 28, 2009. Since then, he requires insulin injections, a restricted diet, and some regulation of activities. The disability picture does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED), peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities were denied as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within a year of service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria to be presumed exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Korea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and cerebrovascular accident are not service-connected, as they are less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA and private treatment records, as well as an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and chronic renal insufficiency. The CAD claim will also be remanded for a new examination.

The Board has determined that service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic ulcers, diabetic retinopathy, and renal disease cannot be granted as they are not related to service or presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is more likely due to hereditary hemochromatosis than to in-service Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, required insulin and a restricted diet for management but did not require regulation of activities. The Board found that the evidence does not support an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The appellant contends that diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and a massive stroke due to or as a consequence of a ruptured arteriovenous malformation were caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.