Diabetes Board decisions

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing an appropriate VA examination to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II was denied by the Board. The appeal is based on complications and additional conditions related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from June 17, 1999 through January 4, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a skin disorder, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and atopic dermatitis have been granted. Service connection is established for these conditions based on their relationship to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to be incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy of the rib cage has not resulted in any symptoms or impairment during the pendency of the claim.,The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy involving each lower extremity is currently rated as moderate and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for TDIU, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting a new examination.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus based on herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the earliest available effective date is February 11, 2013, as this was the date the claim was received.

The Veteran's skin condition, claimed as Porphyria Cutanea Tarda and/or chloracne, is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board grants the claim for service connection on this basis.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA examinations and the need to obtain medical records. The appellant's claims for service connection and increased rating are currently pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50 percent rating, diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, bilateral cataracts remain at 10 percent, and headaches are rated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and the condition did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected, and his peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities may be presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected.

The appellant withdrew her appeal seeking DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and the Board dismissed this matter.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an audiometric examination. The issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and service connection for type II diabetes mellitus are being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gallstones and a bowel disability, both secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver, have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unscannable medical records and other relevant documents. The Veteran's claims of service connection for sarcoidosis and diabetes mellitus are being considered on their merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service. The evidence shows that he served on a 'Blue Water' ship and was exposed to herbicides, qualifying him under presumptive provisions. His current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II is also considered compensable.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of an increased rating for diabetes mellitus is remanded.