Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, including secondary to inservice exposure to herbicides is granted. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus did not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to May 9, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the appellant's periods of AWOL following his combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam are justified due to compelling circumstances, and thus does not constitute a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, right upper jaw disorder, and bilateral cataracts and glaucoma are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

Service connection for hepatitis B and hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or exposure. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of a showing of continuity of symptoms within one year after separation from service.,Service connection for hepatitis C was granted based on its relationship to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and issuance of a statement of the case on all issues.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure. However, the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for tinnitus and hearing loss remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for type 2 diabetes mellitus, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The RO previously denied this claim in February 2004 due to lack of exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all denied as there is no credible evidence to support presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during his naval service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral retinopathy, finding that both conditions are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable during the specified period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, finding that there was no evidence of active pathology or impairment of visual acuity or field loss, pain, rest-requirements, or episodic incapacity.

The Board finds that the disability attributable to diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities for rating purposes includes polyradiculopathy involving the left thoracic and entire lumbar and S1 roots, resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II, claimed as due to herbicide exposure, was denied because there is no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure and the disease did not manifest within one year of discharge.

The Veteran's combined rating is 80 percent, and the VA specialist determined that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum medical opinion from a VA TDIU examiner. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered in determining whether they make him unemployable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The disabilities are less likely than not related to his service-connected PTSD.