Diabetes decisions — 2014

The Veteran's diabetes disability, which requires insulin and a restricted diet, has been rated at 40 percent since the effective date of his claim. This rating is in line with the criteria for Diabetes Mellitus Type II under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Veteran was found to be unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and hypertension. The Board has determined that TDIU is warranted for the period from September 18, 2006 to June 27, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II with parathesias is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for himself and in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his left knee disability and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient development regarding his exposure to herbicides and the relationship between his diabetes mellitus and a bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not shown in service and is not related to military service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have left upper extremity or left lower extremity neurological impairments that are related to military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and denied the remaining claims. The case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records related to the Veteran's Agent Orange participation and to schedule him for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and issues related to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus and blindness, finding no competent evidence that his conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, COPD, and a vision disorder was denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records related to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus (presumably due to herbicide exposure), and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are not service connected, as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The claims for secondary service connection have also been denied.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, a respiratory disorder including asthma, and urethral pain. Service connection for hemorrhoids is granted with an initial rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides, the conditions did not manifest within one year after discharge, and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is REMANDED.

The Veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. The appeal for higher initial disability rating for PTSD and service connection for peripheral neuropathy are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is not attributable to service or any incident of service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes and prostate cancer, both of which were found to be not related to the Veteran's military service. The denial was based on a lack of qualifying service in Vietnam and no evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus, Type II as a result of taking Zyprexa prescribed by VA. The Board finds that an additional VA medical opinion is necessary to determine if the use of Zyprexa caused the development of diabetes.

The Veteran's cause of death (arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease) was not related to his military service or a service-connected disability. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's death causing disabilities to his Vietnam service, including exposure to herbicides.