Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of service connection for neck disability. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and coronary artery disease were denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities is remanded for further development, including a new VA medical examination and obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and tinnitus, as well as his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral nuclear and cortical early cataractous changes, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of the amended regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus or a low back disorder due to service and denied both claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during active duty cannot be presumed and the Veteran's claimed in-service exposure is not supported. The Board also found no evidence of a diagnosis or link between the current diabetes mellitus and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred due to active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer disease or hypertension that is related to service. The claims are denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's hypertension was not present in service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence that it is related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his alleged exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to incomplete records, including those from Dr. L. MacGorman.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, residuals of nose fracture, bilateral knee disorder, and persistent strep throat disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain National Guard treatment records and VA outpatient clinic records, as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claim will also be reviewed with the assistance of a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus could not establish presumptive exposure to herbicides. The skin cancer was not associated with herbicide exposure, and there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus being related to service.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction were denied as they are not related to service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further action by the originating agency due to new evidence received after a previous SSOC was issued.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is of service origin and grants service connection for this condition. The decision on whether the Veteran's coronary artery disease, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus, was incurred in service remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was manifested by the need for a restricted diet and insulin, but not regulation of activities. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted prior to September 13, 2004.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with associated diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, and diabetic nephropathy are currently rated at 20 percent. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for separate compensable evaluations for any of these conditions or for peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension due to potential exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The Veteran is required to provide additional information regarding his SSA benefits and VA medical examinations are needed.