Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 14, 2007 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted. The effective date is set at November 1, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and its complications, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claims for vision disorder (claimed as diabetic retinopathy and vision problems) are also on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hypertension were not incurred in active service or as a result of service-connected disability. These conditions are presumed to be related to exposure to herbicides, but there is no evidence showing such exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and his diabetes mellitus Type II claim remains pending as the RO has not taken further action on it. The claims for service connection for a back condition and chest condition have been reopened but are otherwise denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which was previously denied in March 2002. The Veteran's service records do not show he served in Vietnam or had any exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to Agent Orange exposure was denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure and the preponderance of medical evidence does not support a link between his current condition and military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being REMANDED. His TDIU claim prior to November 9, 2004, is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional information and possibly further development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as details about his temporary duty assignment in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and diabetic retinopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the March 2003 rating action does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran claims service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed exposure in Korea and Okinawa.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the appellant's exposure to chemical dioxins during service, and requests additional information from the service department. The VA is also asked to obtain Social Security Administration records and arrange for a medical examination if necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. His coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus are not rated higher than their current levels.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a 20 percent rating effective December 20, 2006. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is rated at 20 percent effective April 17, 2008. The RO granted an increased rating for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for reopening his service connection for congestive heart failure with valve problem as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of a competent medical nexus linking the condition to service or service-connected diabetes.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes, hypertension, left knee disorder, and low back disorder were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The pre-existing conditions were known upon entry into service in 2003.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease on a direct basis as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's conditions were not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a video conference hearing at the RO for issues related to service connection for multiple sclerosis, an undiagnosed illness, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.