Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his alleged exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and trigger finger repair of the right thumb are granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam-era service.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of June 1, 2003 for his retroactive restoration of retired pay due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than September 5, 2007 for service connection of diabetes mellitus and aid and attendance were granted. The effective dates are set at January 10, 2007.

The Veteran's death was caused by respiratory failure due to COPD and CHF, with his service-connected DM II and CAD contributing substantially to his condition. However, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he had not been continuously rated totally disabled for at least ten years prior to death.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension are denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides, the diseases did not manifest within one year after separation from service, and there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service or any other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, required insulin and a restricted diet prior to December 28, 2011. The Board granted a 40 percent rating for this period.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The remaining claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, respiratory disability (claimed as due to exposure to asbestos), and low back injury residuals were denied. The claim for higher initial rating for PTSD was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and did not address the issue of service connection for vision problems, which were previously denied. The decision also dismissed the issues regarding entitlement to a compensable rating for kidney disease and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for vision problems.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam is presumed, and his diabetes mellitus type II is found to be related to this exposure. Service connection is granted for PTSD with a 30% evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is denied. There is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and the disease did not manifest within one year post-service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted a compensable rating (10%) for residuals of multiple rib fractures. The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, eye disability, right total hip replacement, and heart disability are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities, and the case will be returned to the Board after review.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, or lung disability due to disease or injury incurred in service. The presumptions for herbicide exposure and asbestos exposure do not apply as there is no evidence of actual exposure.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, based on new evidence showing potential herbicide exposure. Service connection is granted as the Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development of evidence, including obtaining medical records and SSA benefits information. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has restored service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and finds that the prior severance was improper. The Veteran's current levels of severity will be assessed through a new VA examination.

The Veteran's below-the-knee amputation of the right leg was not caused by VA treatment, and there is no evidence of fault on VA's part.