Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, but has determined that these claims are not granted on their merits.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating from 100% to 20% was not warranted, and thus denied the request for restoration.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was noted upon entrance into his second period of active duty service and developed proximately following combat service. The Board found that the presumption of aggravation applies due to the development of symptomatic manifestations during or proximately following action with the enemy. As VA could not rebut this presumption by clear and convincing proof, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is related to his service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, considering all relevant factors including his education and occupational background.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that met the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension, specifically whether it is due to service, including exposure to Agent Orange, or secondary to his PTSD. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board at his local RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for memory loss, TBI, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disorder, stomach disorder, and type II diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has ordered additional medical opinions to determine if the Veteran had ischemic heart disease, its relation to service and Agent Orange exposure, diabetes mellitus' relation to hypertension and renal disease, and whether these conditions contributed to his death. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for PTSD and denied any increase in the rating for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, while his diabetes mellitus remains at its current 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic eye infections, and diabetes mellitus. The case is remanded for further development related to these issues.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education, and occupational experience. The Board finds that the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating are met, granting non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Veteran's claim for travel payments was denied as he did not apply within the required 30-day period after completing his travel, despite meeting eligibility criteria due to an increased disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to herbicide exposure due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity amputations and prostate cancer, cause him to require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, skin rash, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, tingling feet, cardiovascular disorders, and back disorder. The appeal is considered on its merits.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, ischemic heart disease, left foot amputation, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction are all granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is service-connected, and he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. His erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.