Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral retinopathy were denied as there is no credible evidence of current disability, an in-service event or disease, or a nexus between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 26, 2008 did not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II was not incurred in or aggravated during active service and is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for bronchitis and a left foot disorder. The remaining issues have not been decided by the Board.

The Board has established an effective date of September 9, 2003 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to Agent Orange. An earlier effective date is not granted as there was no prior claim received before this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to discrepancies in his service records and the need for further clarification of his service history. The VA will obtain any outstanding treatment records, clarify his service location during the relevant time period, and schedule him for a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, eye condition, nail condition, and skin condition to include as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. The disability ratings were not increased for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the purpose of obtaining additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records that may be relevant to his claims. The claims will then be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is granted, but his claim for new and material evidence to reopen his diabetes mellitus claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or any of the specified units in South Korea exposed to herbicides, including Agent Orange. Therefore, he is not presumed to have been exposed to such agents during service. There is no evidence of actual exposure either. As a result, service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its secondary conditions cannot be established.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an eye disability, finding that his vision problems are not related to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 20 percent, as his condition is characterized by insulin dependence and restricted diet but no restriction on activities. The claims for increased ratings for skin ulcerations and lymphedema have been withdrawn.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, and associated complications. The current rating of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus is maintained.

The Veteran's bilateral diabetic retinopathy, status post laser treatment, resulted in concentric contraction of the visual field with remaining fields ranging from 33 to 35 degrees in the left eye and 32 to 31 degrees in the right eye. The RO granted a higher 30 percent rating effective December 10, 2008.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed right foot disability, including metatarsalgia, corns, and diabetic ulcers. Additionally, all relevant treatment records from November 2004 to December 2006 and January 2007 forward must be obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, had its onset during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's private treatment records and a VA medical opinion regarding the potential relationship between his diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and esophageal cancer. The case is being remanded for these actions.