Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that the termination of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was improper, as it had not been in effect long enough to warrant a reduction. The Veteran's disability remains severe enough to require such benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims for carotid body tumor, itchy bumps on scalp and fatty oily skin bump/acne under the eye, bowel constipation, extreme coughing until nauseous, sleep apnea, problems with teeth, numbness in arms and shoulders while sleeping, and enlarged prostate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his claimed exposure to chemicals/herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, claimed as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment was denied as his conditions, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for loss of use of lower extremities or vision due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for below-the-knee amputation of the right lower extremity is denied. The Board finds that his disability picture does not approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating due to his prosthesis being controlled by natural knee action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand, which is necessary for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and right knee disability were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service. The claim for increased rating of right foot plantar fasciitis was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy do not warrant a higher disability rating, as they are currently managed with diet and insulin without requiring regulation of activities or hospitalization for complications.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, Type II as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for a low back disorder was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a travel board hearing at the Waco RO due to his inability to travel to Washington, DC for a scheduled hearing.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions as they are not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and confirming any exposure to mustard gas or other chemicals during service. The Veteran's claims for hypertension and diabetes mellitus will be reconsidered based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, and depression have not been established as service-connected. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for narcolepsy, high blood pressure secondary to diabetes, and impotence secondary to diabetes have been dismissed. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes did not start during service and is not related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for diabetes was denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is manifested by near-constant debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and weakness, including right side abdominal pain and tenderness. The Board has granted a 100 percent schedular rating for the service-connected HCV.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fatigue with insomnia, and left knee disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations.