Diabetes Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is currently rated at 20 percent, effective May 29, 2008. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, are not shown to be of such severity as to preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for DIC benefits as the July 1986 rating decision denying service connection for the cause of death was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and no earlier claims were found.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for PTSD and a bilateral shoulder disability, finding new and material evidence. The claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and peripheral arterial disease was improperly severed.

The Board found no evidence of the Veteran's stopover in Vietnam and thus denied his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation requires use of insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities. Additional development is needed to determine if these requirements are met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a more recent VA examination and proper notice under Vazquez-Flores v. Peake.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that a timely notice of disagreement was filed regarding the July 2003 decision denying service connection for diabetes mellitus and related coronary artery disease, impotence, and skin rash. The case is being remanded to reassess the issues and obtain additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the reduction from a 40 percent to a 20 percent rating for diabetes mellitus was proper and warranted by the evidence of record.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has determined that a new VA examination and additional medical records are needed to properly assess the current level of disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and cataracts as secondary to diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying when the Combat Infantry Badge was issued to the Veteran and determining the location of the 137th Ord CO between 1963 and 1969. The AOJ should issue a supplemental statement of the case with consideration of all additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer are related to his active service, with the benefit of doubt given in favor of the Veteran. The exposure basis is considered 'none' as there was no actual service in Vietnam or documented herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected stasis dermatitis did not cause or contribute to his death, and there was no evidence linking any of his post-service conditions (including diabetes) to his active duty service. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to adjudicate the claims, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death and addressing the Veteran's other diseases and disorders in addition to Type II diabetes.

The Board finds that the appellant is not in need of regular aid and attendance or substantially confined to her home due to her disabilities, and therefore does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, a nervous disorder, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with left leg radiculopathy.