Diabetes Board decisions

The Board denied entitlement to a higher disability evaluation for diabetic retinopathy and granted an effective date of February 22, 2007 for TDIU.

The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides while serving at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) and Ubon, RTAFB, Thailand. Type II diabetes mellitus was diagnosed following active service. The Board grants service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and related conditions, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that these disabilities alone were sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to service or chemical exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that there is no direct or secondary evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and left knee injury with degenerative joint disease and a torn ligament, meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to July 18, 2012. The Board grants TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete opinions and need for updated medical assessments regarding secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the remaining issues have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of those claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a hearing postponement and the need for service personnel records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed service-connected due to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and hypertension are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under applicable regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus was denied, as the evidence did not show that he required insulin and restricted diet or use of an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 20 percent due to the requirement of insulin and a restricted diet. The erectile dysfunction does not meet criteria for any compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving aboard the USS Jenkins, which may affect his claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that no evidence supported herbicide exposure or a service-connected disability contributing to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing as requested. The claims of service connection will be further evaluated after the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, left foot disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and below-the-knee amputation of the right leg to obtain additional medical evidence.