Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and Parkinson's disease due to exposure of Agent Orange. Both conditions are presumed to have been incurred in active military service.

The Veteran's service aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma City did not involve actual herbicide exposure, and his diabetes mellitus type II first manifested many years after service, thus failing to meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 40 percent, which requires insulin use, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he has not experienced episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or twice monthly visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, eye condition, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to incomplete development. The AOJ will obtain additional evidence related to Agent Orange exposure and ensure that a VA examination is conducted for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not occur in service and is not related to his military noise exposure. The claim for diabetes mellitus type II, claimed as a result of herbicide exposure, will be remanded due to incomplete information regarding Vietnam service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not have onset during service or within one year of separation, and was more likely due to post-service weight gain. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted service connection for meralgia paresthetica and neuropathy of the right thigh, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, diabetes mellitus type II, and sleep apnea. The effective date is set at April 7, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for blindness and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is 70 percent, and his disabilities relate to a common etiology (diabetes mellitus). The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions alone do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A new VA examination will be arranged to assess the severity of his diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are consistent with his military service.,Both conditions have been found to be related to the Veteran's in-country service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, including secondary to inservice exposure to herbicides is granted. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus did not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to May 9, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the appellant's periods of AWOL following his combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam are justified due to compelling circumstances, and thus does not constitute a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, right upper jaw disorder, and bilateral cataracts and glaucoma are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

Service connection for hepatitis B and hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or exposure. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of a showing of continuity of symptoms within one year after separation from service.,Service connection for hepatitis C was granted based on its relationship to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and issuance of a statement of the case on all issues.