Diabetes Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, DM, a heart condition, erectile dysfunction, an eye disorder, and a kidney condition. The Veteran's conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes and thyroid disability did not become manifest during service or for many years thereafter, and are not shown to be related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to a combined 20 percent rating for diabetic retinopathy under Diagnostic Codes 6006 and 6078, with vision in one eye of 20/50 and the other eye of 20/50 (a 10 percent rating) and continuous active pathology (a 10 percent rating).

The Veteran died due to congestive heart failure and ischemic cardiomyopathy, with other conditions contributing to his death. The Board found that these conditions were not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the failure to obtain VA treatment records from the Bonham/Dallas VAMC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, kidney disorder, and hypertension are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claims for high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with history of cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, lung disorder (bronchitis and asthma), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence, as the previous denial was based on a lack of evidence showing in-service injury or disease, Vietnam-era service, herbicide exposure, or manifestation within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The maximum schedular rating of 20 percent was assigned for diabetes mellitus, which is the highest available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, with separate ratings of 10 percent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left and right lower extremities, as well as a separate rating of 10 percent for diabetic nephropathy. The Veteran's hypertension has not been found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2, low back condition (claimed as sore back), and athlete's foot to the AOJ for further review of additional evidence.

The Board found no credible evidence of herbicide exposure during service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer due to such exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which suggests a possible link between prescribed mental health medications and diet issues.

The Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeals for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain service treatment records, verify alleged stressors, and provide a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, prostate cancer, and coronary artery disease are presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides during service in Thailand. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's appeal must be remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing, as he did not attend the previously scheduled hearing.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to exposure to herbicides during the applicable presumptive period in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure. However, the Veteran's claim for ischemic heart disease is denied as there is no evidence of such condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Thailand.