Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The Veteran served in Vietnam and claims his diabetes is related to this exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as secondary to herbicide exposure and for a heart condition; hypertension; numbness of the fingers, forearm, hands, and lips; impotence; stomach problems; foot problems; glaucoma; and dental problems, each as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board found that there was no evidence of actual duty or visitation in Vietnam and thus did not establish herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury and has also granted the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease due to exposure to Agent Orange.,Service connection is established for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus, finding that his diabetes required a restricted diet but not insulin or other medications.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in November 2011.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred during service and cannot be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board found no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus, type II and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and evidence, as well as to address the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and its associated complications are granted due to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The hypertension and erectile dysfunction claims will be addressed on remand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to use both lower extremities without aid.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially and materially to the underlying cause of his death, which was CAD. The Board finds that this contribution is due to the aggravation of his pre-existing CAD by his PTSD.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diabetes mellitus, and Bell's palsy were not found to be service-connected. The lung disorder was denied as unrelated to asbestos exposure or any other disease in service. Diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of evidence showing it during service or within the first post-service year. Bell's palsy was also denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with early nephropathy has been rated at 20 percent since May 25, 2004. The current evidence does not show the need for insulin or regulation of activities due to his diabetes.

The Veteran's prostate and bladder disorder are found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,His erectile dysfunction is also found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,New evidence has been presented that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for heart disorder, which may be due to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus Type 2 with retinopathy, hypertension, or depression being incurred during service and denied the claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus requires an oral hypoglycemic medication and a restricted diet, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.