Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been granted, with a rating of 10 percent effective March 24, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been granted, effective May 31, 2012. The Veteran is now entitled to a combined 100 percent evaluation.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim of a thyroid disorder was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for reopening.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental VA examiner's opinion to determine if the Veteran's current hypertension and diabetes mellitus were caused or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's death was caused by CAD, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service. The Veteran did not have any of the claimed conditions at the time of his death and there is no evidence linking them to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, bilateral leg amputation, and congestive heart condition are related to his exposure to trichloroethylene during military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 13, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was granted. The Board also found that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; skin disorder, including psoriatic arthritis; liver disorder, including cirrhosis; portal hypertension; and esophageal disorder prior to a decision by the Board.

The Board has denied the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and arthritis of the right hand, as the new evidence submitted does not establish a previously unestablished fact.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. The claim was reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU, and the Board finds that he is unable to secure or maintain any substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus, type II were not shown to be related to his active service. As these conditions did not manifest within a year of separation from service or are otherwise not linked to service, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease status post open heart surgery are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims. The claim for a compensable initial disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and neuropathies of the bilateral lower extremities are granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for other conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify the stressor event and obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his alleged exposure to chemicals other than herbicides during active duty. Further development is needed, including obtaining records from the Joint Services Records Research Center and any relevant facilities, as well as VA examinations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to in-service herbicide exposure, with the presumption of exposure.

The Veteran's heart disability, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he claims is due to Agent Orange exposure while serving aboard the U.S.S. Newport News off the coast of Vietnam or in Da Nang Harbor, has been remanded for further clarification and development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for severance of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and for service connection for left ear hearing loss. The claim to reopen a claim for service connection for tinnitus was also denied.