Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the appellant's diabetes mellitus did not begin during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and type II diabetes mellitus were granted. The Veteran was awarded staged higher initial ratings for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities effective from April 26, 2013.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to cardiovascular and respiratory failure, with hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal tract bleeding as contributing factors. The Board finds a need for additional medical opinion regarding the relationship between in-service gastrointestinal complaints and the Veteran's gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Jackson RO for scheduling a Travel Board or videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and low back disability, as well as increased ratings for various surgeries and fractures, are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to decide the claim on a secondary basis, and further development is required.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II with nephritis, was rated at 20 percent prior to April 10, 2012, and has not required regulation of activities since then. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus has not manifested by regulation of activities, which is required for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has been rated at 40 percent since May 13, 2008. The rating is granted as the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (migraine headaches, chronic photodermatitis, exercise-induced asthma, and diabetes mellitus) prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience otherwise qualified him prior to June 10, 2005. The Board granted the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications. His combined disability rating has been at least 90% since May 21, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to herbicide exposure is granted due to the presumption of exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's diabetes, which began in service and contributed to his death, is now considered service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension, finding no evidence of chronic conditions during or within one year after service. The Veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient lay or medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as the requested Travel Board hearing has not been scheduled. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, hypertension, headaches, and sinusitis remain on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations, as well as the need to obtain VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus (DMII), and coronary artery disease (CAD) as directly related to the Veteran's military service. The claims for DMII and CAD due to herbicide exposure are denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not service connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation. The Board also found that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his service.

The Veteran's hypertension is proximately related to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic renal insufficiency. The Board finds the evidence in relative equipoise and grants service connection for hypertension.