Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes and degenerative joint disease of the thumbs and fingers did not have onset in service or were otherwise due to service, including exposure to environmental hazards during the Gulf War. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to her service-connected discoid lupus erythematous with scarring alopecia.

The evidence does not establish that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was incurred or aggravated during his active service. The Board finds that the most probative evidence of record does not support a finding that it is at least as likely as not related to such service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II does not require regulation of activities and therefore a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted. The Board also found no separate compensable ratings for erectile dysfunction or diabetic retinopathy.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicide agents during his transfer home from December 15, 1972 to December 20, 1972.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's significant service-connected disabilities, including major depression, prostate carcinoma, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, necessitate regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of service personnel records and further investigation into the Veteran's claimed chemical exposure during service.

The Board denied accrued benefits to the appellant as she is not considered a child for purposes of accrued benefits and did not pay any last sickness expenses. The appellant was reimbursed for burial costs, making her ineligible for such benefits.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be due to his exposure to herbicides during service, and the claim has been reopened. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer are not related to his active service, including any herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability and is not related to his service. The principal cause of death was sepsis due to urinary tract infection, with diabetes mellitus being a significant condition contributing to death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, type II; TBI; or a headache disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents in service, and thus could not establish presumptive service connection for his diabetes mellitus or Parkinson's disease. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type I is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension were granted. However, his requests for increased ratings for the ruptured flexor of the left fourth finger and scars on that finger were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and vascular dementia are rated at 70 percent, hypertension is not compensable, diabetes mellitus is not service connected due to lack of exposure to herbicides, erectile dysfunction is secondary to hypertension, cardiomyopathy with CAD and peripheral neuropathy of the legs do not meet criteria for service connection, and obstructive sleep apnea does not warrant a rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's right knee disability, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bronchial asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service connected.