Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the appeal for diabetes mellitus and is remanding the remaining issues of service connection for hepatitis C, a low back disability, and postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been caused by in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's hypertension is presumed to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and a heart disorder are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to be related to his service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's numbness of the hands and his service or any other conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. Separate compensable ratings for renal dysfunction and erectile dysfunction are not warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated. This includes obtaining VA treatment records and any medical and legal documents pertaining to the Veteran's application for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.

The Veteran's original claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicides or active duty in Vietnam. The decision is final as the Veteran did not appeal within one year.

The Veteran's death was caused by end stage heart disease, due to cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease. Diabetes contributed significantly but did not cause the death. The service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The case has been remanded for additional development to verify the alleged exposure.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and right eye diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension preceded his diabetes mellitus and was caused or aggravated by it. The claim is also remanded for an opinion on whether hypertension was caused or aggravated by PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities. The claim will be readjudicated on an extraschedular basis if warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the service connection claims for hypertension and PTSD. Specifically, a VA examination will be conducted to determine if there is any relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II, as well as whether his PTSD can be related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the periods specified.

The Board has determined that hypertension had its onset in service and is granted service connection. The claim of diabetes mellitus as secondary to hypertension remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA clinical records and an SOC on the issue of a higher rating for diabetes mellitus.

The Board granted an increased rating to 20 percent for diabetes mellitus effective February 8, 2008. Prior to this date, the Veteran's condition was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's LEMS was not service-connected, and his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 based on VA's failure to timely diagnose and properly treat LEMS was also denied.