Diabetes decisions — 2015

Since October 12, 2006, the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities has been manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis with symptoms including numbness, mild paresthesia and/or dysesthesias, moderate constant pain, reduced muscle strength, intermittent decreased or absent sensation, and intermittently increased DTRs. The Veteran is currently rated at 20% for each affected limb.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. The Veteran's claims were based on exposure to environmental toxins during his deployment in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The left inguinal hernia was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both potentially related to his military service in Thailand. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including verification of Agent Orange exposure and a VA examination.

The Veteran's combined schedular evaluation of all service-connected disabilities has been 70 percent or more throughout the appeal period, and it is reasonably shown that by virtue of his service-connected disabilities, he is precluded from participating in any substantially gainful employment consistent with his education/training and experience.

The Board found that the Veteran's Type II Diabetes Mellitus does not require regulation of activities, and thus, his disability is rated at the minimum level (20%) as per Diagnostic Code 7913. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for service connection for heart disability and diabetes. The claim for service connection for heart disability remains denied, while the claim for service connection for diabetes is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic kidney disease is caused, at least in part, by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and related medications did not cause or contribute to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for an aid and attendance allowance as her disabilities do not render her unable to care for her daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, prostate cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, and multiple myeloma are all found to be due to herbicide exposure during service.,With resolution of all reasonable doubt in his favor, the Veteran's diagnoses are considered to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further investigation and medical evaluation regarding his liver condition, diabetes mellitus, type II, and lung disorder claims. The RO will investigate the alleged hepatitis outbreak on USS Forrestal and provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's lung disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and back disorder are not service-connected.,The Veteran has current diagnoses of a lung disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and back disorder. However, the evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is seeking recognition of his son, D.W.M., as the 'helpless child' due to multiple health conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully assess this claim.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 40 percent and he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on regulation of activities due to diabetes.

The Veteran died from rectal adenocarcinoma with contributory causes of death including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and dementia. The cause of death is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking the cancer to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination and obtaining updated outpatient records. A TDIU claim has also been raised by the record.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from May 10, 2011 is granted. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.