Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy was rated at 10 percent prior to June 27, 2011. The Board found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence of muscle wasting or atrophy.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of asbestos-induced pleural disease, reopening of service connection claims for various conditions, and TDIU/SMC have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for his asbestos-induced pleural disease as of May 3, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, were denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or radiation. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under applicable regulations.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed to his death due to septic shock, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of regulation of activities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus the claims for an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids and service connection for diabetes are dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's renal failure with hemodialysis was not caused by VA care, and denied her claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The Board grants entitlement to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder or heart condition. The claim for neuropathy is denied as well.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of her type II diabetes.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension and renal failure (secondary to diabetes mellitus), diabetic retinopathy (secondary to diabetes mellitus), PTSD, increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the right lower extremity, and compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II should be remanded due to technical issues with his September 2014 hearing transcript. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion and additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with the exception of his claim for secondary service connection. The initial compensable ratings for residuals of Fournier gangrene to the perineum, right foot disability, and diabetes mellitus are upheld, while a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and the condition did not manifest within one year of separation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus and pain and weakness in both feet, as well as service connection for a left leg injury and reopening of his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims due to additional development and the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing at the Waco VARO.