Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and bilateral upper extremity diabetic polyneuropathy have been granted. The claim for service connection for a mouth disorder remains denied. An effective date prior to December 5, 2006 has been granted for the award of service connection for back, neck, and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a secondary service connection opinion for sleep apnea and issuing a statement of the case regarding his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II and its complications, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus has required insulin and a restricted diet, but not regulation of activities. The criteria for a higher (compensable) rating have not been met.

The Veteran's Type II Diabetes Mellitus is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) during his service in Korea, near the DMZ. The Board granted this claim on a presumptive basis.

The Board found that diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, or caused or aggravated by service-connected disability. The claim for a visual disability is also denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating from August 13, 2009, due to his service-connected disabilities, which include diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, mood disorder, is found to be related to service. Her diabetes type I and bilateral foot disorder are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus is granted due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Board finds that the Veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam and therefore his exposure to herbicides is conceded, allowing him to benefit from the presumption of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy warrants an initial compensable (at least 10 percent) disability rating throughout the entire initial rating period.

The Veteran's physical impairment due to his nonservice-connected conditions requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from the hazards of daily environment, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The claims for higher ratings have been granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and tongue cancer were not found to be related to his service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The Board denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetic retinopathy, finding that the RO's severance of service connection was not in accordance with law due to a procedural defect.

The Veteran's diabetes and diabetic nephropathy are evaluated at a noncompensable rating, with the nephropathy receiving a 30% evaluation.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion, is necessary before the claim can be decided.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, effective from July 26, 2001. The Veteran is also entitled to a compensable rating for his diabetic retinopathy.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and cataracts due to final decisions in 2004. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, was also denied as not related to service or any exposure therein.

The Veteran's diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are granted service connection as they are related to his active duty service, with exposure near the perimeter of Ubon RTAFB during the Vietnam War.