Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions. The Veteran's coronary artery disease does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiac arrest and esophageal cancer, with the latter being related to service-connected diabetes. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining medical records from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and requesting a VA physician opinion on whether the Veteran's conditions are related to his service or any other factors.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin and restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. The criteria are not met for an evaluation higher than 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and respiratory disability, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causative factors.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea and its secondary effects on other conditions. The Board has determined that a video conference hearing is necessary due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including addendum opinions regarding his service connection claims and potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective August 7, 2008. The TDIU and DEA benefits were also granted on this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for nephropathy must be remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology and relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection with a 50% disability rating, effective from December 12, 1996 to August 25, 1998. Special monthly compensation for aid and attendance was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he alleges is due to herbicide exposure during his naval service on the USS Algol, has been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The case will be reviewed after obtaining additional evidence and development as requested.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, diabetic dermopathy, and diabetic retinopathy with macular degeneration. The Veteran was awarded initial evaluations of no greater than 20 percent for each condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis, right shoulder disorder, or diabetes mellitus that is related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Eglin Air Force Base and that his current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is presumed due to this exposure.

The Board has remanded both issues on appeal due to the need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's service connection claim is related to Gulf War exposure. The case will be further reviewed and adjudicated based on this determination.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, but denied compensable ratings for bilateral diabetic retinopathy and cataracts and left eye maculopathy. The Veteran's case is remanded to issue a Statement of the Case on his claims for noncompensable ratings for lower peroneal nerves and sural nerves.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by metastatic pancreatic cancer, which is not service-connected. However, diabetes mellitus and advanced coronary atherosclerosis with previous myocardial infarction are considered to be contributory causes of his death.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing due to the Veteran's request and will handle any further development as needed.