Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred during his active service in Thailand due to herbicide exposure, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and Vet Center treatment records, clarifying whether the Veteran applied for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, scheduling examinations to assess the severity of PTSD and any other claimed disabilities, and seeking medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, requiring insulin, restricted diet and regulation of activities, has been rated at 40 percent since February 19, 2008. The issue of a total rating based on individual unemployability by reason of service-connected disability is being remanded to the RO.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities are sufficient by themselves to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was managed by a restricted diet and exercise prior to March 13, 2007. However, it was uncontrolled and he refused recommended medication. From March 13, 2007, the Veteran began using an oral hypoglycemic agent.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent, effective June 6, 2002. The evidence does not show that the disability requires insulin or a restricted diet and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 26, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining SSA records and providing a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on current medical evidence showing that his diabetes requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral pes planus are related to service. The claims for these conditions will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, onychomycosis of the right foot, and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since July 10, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient development of his Agent Orange exposure claim and the need for a VA examination regarding his vertigo with dizziness and nausea.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities has been rated as 40 percent disabling since March 17, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and for a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The issues of an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD since March 1, 2008, and entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.,The effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is set at June 18, 2003, which is the effective date of service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted in May 2006.,The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also set at June 18, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus (Type II) with peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and interstitial lung disease due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Veteran's hypertension is not related to his diabetes.