Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the Board finds no link between his service-connected conditions and the causes of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with diabetic nephropathy. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, peripheral neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment due to his mental health issues and physical limitations.

The Board finds that service-connected bilateral lower extremity venous insufficiency contributed substantially and materially to the Veteran's death, granting entitlement to service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying overpayment and copayment amounts, and considering whether the Veteran's income was reduced due to these factors. The claim will be reconsidered based on this additional information.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a VA eye examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that management of his condition does not warrant a higher rating. Separate compensable ratings for erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart and eye disabilities, as well as his requests for a compensable rating prior to October 17, 2011 for right ear hearing loss and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss. The effective date was not addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims of reopening service connection for varicose veins, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus to the RO for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims for hypertension, PTSD, neuropathy, tinnitus, and secondary service-connected IHD have been granted.

The Board has determined that an effective date of September 1, 2002 is warranted for the award of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of the currently assigned 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, and 10 percent each for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer were not service-connected. The cause of death was also not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the other issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the impact of all service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to work and considering any period when the Veteran was unemployed due to his service-connected conditions. The TDIU issue will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service if applicable.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not require insulin or regulation of activities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Korea, which could affect his claims for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and his diabetes mellitus. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain VA treatment records, private medical records, ship logs from U.S.S. Mispillion, and any other relevant information.