Diabetes decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disability and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand and thus no basis to grant presumptive service connection. The Board also found insufficient evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service aboard a Navy vessel in Vietnam constitutes 'brown water' service, entitling him to presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, presumed due to his service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange, contributed substantially to his death from acute myocardial infarction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a prostate disorder, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The Veteran was not exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's appeal is for increased ratings and an earlier effective date. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating are not met, and the claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was likely exposed to herbicides during his service at Udorn Air Force Base in Thailand, and therefore grants service connection for diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no competent evidence showing a current disability due to service. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus are related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides while serving in the inland waterways of Vietnam, which entitles him to service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII), including as due to herbicide exposure. The remaining claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pancreatic cancer is service-connected due to in-service herbicide exposure, and his diabetes mellitus is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected pancreatic cancer.

The Veteran's vision impairment, alone and in combination with his other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating from April 24, 2007.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and right eye condition are being remanded for further development to address the nature of his exposure during service, including commercial pesticides and herbicides. The issues of service connection for these conditions will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, strep throat, right knee cyst, left inguinal hernia, chronic right foot disorder (gout or bunion), and chronic left foot disorder (gout or bunion) as well as respiratory disorders. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy, evaluated under DC 7541, was productive of a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more which required continuous medication for control. The claim is granted with a 30% evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's claim for additional benefits for his former spouse, J.C., from January 9, 1993 to October 2, 1999, was also denied due to the failure to provide necessary information within one year of notification.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to be related to his active military service and he was exposed to herbicides during service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as due to herbicide exposure is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The July 6, 2006 decision denied service connection for various conditions including depression, tinnitus, stroke, colon cancer, gastrointestinal problems (irritable bowel syndrome), and Type II diabetes mellitus. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his in-country Vietnam service and obtain additional medical records. The Board will also schedule a VA examination to determine the etiology of his gastrointestinal disability and peripheral neuropathy.