Diabetes Board decisions

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.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its secondary conditions of hypertension and renal failure has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran before a decision was made.

The Veteran's service in Vietnam is presumed, and he has been granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and heart disease as secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's type 2 diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and review of his service-connected conditions, specifically glaucoma in the left eye and diabetes with retinopathy in the right eye. The issue at hand is whether he needs aid and attendance due to these disabilities.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not the result of herbicide exposure and sun exposure during service. The RO granted service connection for this disability. Other issues remain pending in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus were denied as there was no prior claim or indication of intent to file a claim before the respective effective dates.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing hypertension or diabetes, and the Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; a heart condition to specifically include coronary artery disease; hypertension; and glaucoma are not supported by evidence of service connection or exposure to herbicides. As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that a 40 percent evaluation, but no more, is warranted for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction throughout the period of the claim.