Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in active service. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and therefore the benefit sought on appeal has been granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted as it meets the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded due to the need for an in-person or video conference Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining clinical records from a private orthopedic physician and scheduling an examination of the Veteran's left heel spurs. The claims will be readjudicated based on the new evidence and information.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was related to his service-connected hypertension, which contributed substantially and materially to his cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of service records and to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is related to his military service. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus, type II remain on appeal.

The Veteran's diabetes and CVA with hemiparesis are currently rated at the lowest available levels, and there is no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and his hypertension is presumed to have been incurred in service. The benefit of doubt has been resolved in favor of the Veteran for hypertension.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin, a restricted diet and regulation of activities. The Board finds that the criteria for a 40 percent rating are met.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Board has determined that the service connection for diabetes mellitus with nephropathy, as well as diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, should be restored from their initial grant dates.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and authorization to release private health care provider records. The appellant's DIC claim is not granted as service connection was not in effect at the time of her husband's death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran served aboard a ship in Vietnam waters, but it is unclear if he was exposed to herbicides based on his presence and the nature of his service.

The Veteran's seven service connected disabilities meet the schedular requirements for consideration of a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), and his combined rating is currently at 80 percent, effective from September 2011.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance of another or at the rate for housebound status is being remanded due to changes in criteria interpretation that make it easier for a veteran over 65 to qualify. The case will be reviewed again after additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records, provide a VA examination for all claimed conditions, and determine the nature and etiology of each condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his hypertension is currently rated at 20 percent. The current ratings are appropriate based on the clinical evidence showing no need for insulin or regulation of activities due to diabetes, and no specific restrictions related to hypertension.

The Veteran's service as a Merchant Seaman during the Persian Gulf War is not considered active military, naval, or air service for VA purposes. Therefore, his claim for service connection for Gulf War syndrome to include muscle and joint pain, fatigue, diabetes, and skin rash due to an undiagnosed illness cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including verification of his service and readjudication of the pension claim. The issues of service connection are also pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II was not incurred or aggravated by service and is not presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to herbicides. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim.