Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's diabetes was not incurred in service and is not related to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran has steroid-induced diabetes, which began after he was treated for a nonservice-connected condition (lupus).

The Board found that the Veteran does not have residuals of a left knee injury and denied service connection for Osgood-Schlatter disease, left knee; residuals of a left knee injury other than neuropathy and ulcers, to include peripheral vascular disease (PVD); and amputation of toes one, two, and three of the left foot.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II was denied, and his claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure, and there is no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with peripheral arterial disease of the bilateral lower extremities is currently rated at 40 percent and granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent and does not require insulin or regulation of activities. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, a left leg disability (to include arthritis of the hip, knee, and leg), and PTSD. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection in part, including for tension headaches and bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, prostate condition, ankle/knee conditions, left side pain, and shoulder conditions were also addressed but not granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no medical evidence showing that regulation of activities, defined by VA regulations, has been advised due to his condition. The Board found that the available schedular evaluations were adequate and did not find other related factors such as 'governing norms' applicable.

The Board affirms service connection for actinic keratosis due to sun exposure in service, but denies service connection for diabetes as the Veteran did not serve at Fort Chafee where herbicide exposure is alleged.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to maintain employment. Additional VA treatment records are also needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other conditions that would warrant presumptive service connection. The Veteran's claims were decided based on direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and liver transplant. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board finds that the claim was not received within one year of separation from service and thus the earliest possible effective date is December 11, 2008.

The Veteran's death was not related to service, and the appeal is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that further development is needed in connection with the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, diabetes, and a back disorder. The case is REMANDED to obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence, including a recent grant of service connection for coronary artery disease.