Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, colon polyps, and enlarged prostate were denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not service-connected, as it was not incurred or aggravated by his active service and is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since January 31, 2012. The effective date for this rating is set to that day.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in a military occupational specialty where he might have been exposed to Agent Orange, and there is no evidence of exposure during service. The Board also found no credible evidence linking any current disabilities (ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer) to service or to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the Montgomery RO regarding all six issues on appeal.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between service and the development of diabetes.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus disability is rated at 20 percent, and his osteoarthritis of the right hand is rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus disability with related complications is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right great toe is found to be service-connected, while his claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Veteran developed diabetes and hypertension as a result of taking Olanzapine, but the Board finds that VA did not fail to exercise reasonable care in prescribing the medication. The cause of diabetes is at least as likely as not related to Olanzapine, while the cause of hypertension remains unknown.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diabetes mellitus and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes or hypertension that began in service, and there is no evidence of a causal connection between these disabilities and his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection for diabetes and hypertension are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection and increased rating, as well as a TDIU claim. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus with hypertension and renal insufficiency is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, which he claims was caused by herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand. The Board has determined that verification of the Veteran's reported exposure to herbicides is necessary and remands the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was initially evaluated at 10 percent from June 7, 2012, and increased to 20 percent effective December 21, 2012. The current evaluation of 20 percent is appropriate given the need for an oral hypoglycemic agent but no insulin or regulation of activities.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of a stroke do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating on and after December 1, 2006.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Type II diabetes mellitus is granted due to presumed exposure to dioxin-based herbicides during his military service at the Korat RTAFB in Thailand.