Diabetes decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes was not related to her military service and denied all issues of secondary service connection. The Veteran's conditions are considered direct service connection cases.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has not required one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider due to episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions.,His glaucoma with diabetic retinopathy results in corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, no impairment of muscle function, and remaining concentric visual fields of 33.75 degrees in the left eye and 36.25 degrees in the right eye.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent, effective September 12, 2011.

The Veteran meets the criteria for basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and other claims, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's diabetes was diagnosed during service and is granted as directly incurred in active service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was manifested by the use of insulin and oral medication, the need for a restricted diet, and the need to restrict his exercise activities. The Board found that from June 18, 2009, the criteria for a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetes mellitus were met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred or aggravated during a period of active service, including Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetic nephropathy have not been shown to warrant a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's malignant melanoma is presumed to be due to his in-service herbicide exposure, but there is no evidence of record showing that it was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, fatigue, and diabetes have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim. The Veteran's claim for service connection for undiagnosed Gulf War Syndrome is denied due to lack of a diagnosed disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was granted an increased rating to 40 percent effective April 13, 2016. His peripheral neuropathies were also granted increased ratings with the right upper extremity receiving a 30 percent rating and left upper extremity receiving a 20 percent rating from April 13, 2016. The Veteran's right lower extremity received a 40 percent rating and his left lower extremity received a 40 percent rating effective January 6, 2015.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorder, is not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran has a current back disability, to include degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but it did not become manifest within one year after service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a disability for which service connection is sought. As such, no service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service at Thailand military bases and finds that he meets the criteria for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and coronary artery disease (CAD) due to such exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD with mood disorder has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to difficulty in understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since January 2002. The Board found that the evidence did not show regulation of activities, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and hypertension associated with PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 1, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of diabetes, heart disability, or respiratory disabilities. The claim for throat cancer is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.