Diabetes Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a heart disorder and peripheral neuropathy, lipoma, rashes, diabetes mellitus, and residuals of a laminectomy, all due to in-service herbicide exposure. The effective dates were not addressed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicides during active duty in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability of the eyes, including glaucoma and other eye conditions, must be remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension have been remanded due to the need for additional development. His claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and issues of causation between hypertension and diabetes mellitus need further clarification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicidal agents during active duty. The deck logs of the U.S.S. Keppler will be sought from the National Archives and Records Administration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance, and a compensable evaluation for cataracts due to untimely notice of disagreement. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, retinitis, and peripheral neuropathy as not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease (including diagnosed coronary artery disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, and myocardial infarctions), which are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. These conditions contributed to his untimely death.

The Veteran's diabetes has been well-controlled with insulin and a restricted diet, but he has gained weight and experienced occasional hypoglycemic episodes. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in his rating beyond 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal regarding the initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus, type II, with peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a VA examination for the severity of his diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy, as well as to obtain additional treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim and determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's death and his presumed in-service herbicide exposure, which contributed to his death. The service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Veteran's cause of death, nephrotic syndrome renal failure and adult onset diabetes mellitus, was not service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The primary issue is determining if his service-connected diabetes mellitus warrants a higher disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent due to his current treatment and lack of restrictions on activities.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory/pulmonary disorder (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after his military service, nor is there evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen her previously denied claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for diabetes mellitus and gluteal liposarcoma as secondary to such exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a comprehensive examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.