Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Veteran's DM with diabetic retinopathy was rated at 40 percent prior to November 11, 2009 and remains at that rating from November 11, 2009 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence of moderate or severe incomplete paralysis, which is required for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are not related to service, including as a result of herbicide exposure in Thailand. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 50% rating for service-connected PTSD was denied. The RO granted a 50% rating effective August 23, 2011.

The Veteran's cause of death was Laennec's cirrhosis, which is not service-connected. His DM II and pancreatitis are also not service-connected as they were not shown during his active duty.

For the entire initial rating period, lasting from December 13, 2005, to the present, the Veteran's service-connected diabetic skin disorders have been rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, a skin disorder of the feet (Athlete's foot), and residuals of a sexually transmitted disease. The decision found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his request for a hearing and indicated satisfaction with the grant of Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities have been granted service connection with effective dates prior to February 7, 2011.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claim as the Veteran did not serve during the presumptive period for Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's DM and PN of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted due to lack of insulin use or restriction of activities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder and has also found that his diabetes mellitus is not related to service. The case is remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during his appeal period. The Board found that he did not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes at any point, and therefore service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider the increased rating claim for hypertension with headaches as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in November 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and TDIU related to his diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board found that the disability has been managed with oral hypoglycemic agents and a restricted diet without requiring regulation of activities.

The Veteran's death was caused by atrial fibrillation, with hypertension as a secondary condition. The cause of death claim and VA burial benefits claim are both remanded for additional development.