Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency. The RO has not obtained all of the Veteran's private medical records from Dr. Clemis Jackson or his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. These records are necessary to make a full determination on the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran claims service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure. The RO found no evidence of such exposure in Vietnam and thus denied the claim based on lack of presumptive service connection. The Board has ordered further development including obtaining unit records from Udorn Air Force Base.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The joint pain disorder claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus. The claim for an initial compensable rating for candidiasis is denied as there is no evidence that the condition covers at least 5 percent or more of the entire body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis for a compensable rating. The RO granted service connection for erectile dysfunction effective December 7, 2001, but did not assign an effective date earlier than that. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities warrants ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to December 17, 2008, and 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and a low back disorder. The RO must attempt to obtain all pertinent VA treatment records prior to August 18, 2006, as well as any private medical records from his initial diagnosis in 1998. A VA examination is also required to determine the etiology of both conditions.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not found to be related to his military service.,There is no evidence that the Veteran's current conditions had onset in or within one year of service, or are otherwise linked to his active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's increased rating for diabetes mellitus, but denied his claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as part and parcel of the increased rating claim. The new evidence received was found to be material with regard to the issue of service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and his low back condition and left ankle sprain and chip fracture were not shown to be related to service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing VA treatment records and a need for an examination regarding PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure is granted. The Board also notes that the Veteran has hypertension and bilateral cataracts, but further medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred or aggravated by service and cannot be presumed due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran is not eligible for financial assistance in purchasing specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to the lack of anatomical loss or use of either lower extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition is managed by an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet without requiring regulation of activities or use of insulin.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as related to his inservice exposure to herbicide agents at Eglin AFB in 1969.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, hypertension at 100 percent, and anemia at 10 percent. The appeal involves multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and adjudicating his claim of service connection for a heart disorder.