Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a bilateral leg condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, requiring insulin and a restricted diet, is rated at the maximum allowable under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an audio malfunction during his Travel Board hearing, and he has requested another hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and prostate cancer, both of which he claimed were due to herbicide exposure. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection as his exposure was not from in or near Vietnam, but rather from drinking distilled water on board a ship offshore.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his coronary artery disease and lower extremity conditions, warrant an award of automobile and adaptive equipment as well as specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's medical expenses at Shenandoah Medical Center from October 8 to October 9, 2010 are eligible for payment or reimbursement as the care was provided in an emergent situation and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is at least as likely as not due to herbicide exposure during service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which he contends is related to his exposure to herbicides while stationed at U-Tapao Airfield in Thailand, has been remanded due to the need for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and updating his records.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II required a restricted diet only prior to May 13, 2005. Medication for diabetes, including insulin, was required beginning May 13, 2005; there is no evidence of restriction of activities due to DM.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bullous pemphigoid, finding that there was no evidence linking it to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran did not appeal this decision or submit new and material evidence within one year.

The Board has determined that none of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death from positional asphyxia due to a car accident.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be present in service and continues since then, warranting service connection. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, prostate cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to new evidence received after the October 2010 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral legs, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with diabetes mellitus, and compression fracture of the thoracic spine were denied. The claim for an effective date earlier than August 28, 2006, for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy was granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 30, 2011.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is less likely than not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.