Diabetes Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II and service connection for left ear hearing loss. The veteran is currently on a restricted diet and takes oral medication for his diabetes, but does not take insulin or have any restrictions on activities. For the left ear hearing loss claim, the Board requested clarification from the February 2008 C&P examiner regarding whether it was less likely than not that the condition was related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his gunshot wound residuals and COPD, contributed to cause or hastened his death.

The Board found that the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus warranted a 40 percent rating, as it required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions.

The veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to October 20, 2004 for the grant of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus has been withdrawn.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent since March 8, 2001 and upgraded to 40 percent effective May 1, 2007. The veteran's diabetic retinopathy was rated as noncompensable since March 8, 2001 and upgraded to 20 percent effective August 2, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the veteran actually set foot in Vietnam, and requested additional development including contacting the Department of Navy and Naval Historical Center.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hepatitis C, and symptomatic hidradenitis suppurativa due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus warrants a 20 percent disability rating, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for depression and an acquired neurosis, as well as seventh cranial nerve paralysis (facial palsy). However, it denied reopening of the claims for narcolepsy, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran's claim for PTSD was also reopened.

The veteran's request for a computer and golf clubs under the Individual Independent Living Program was denied because they are not considered necessary to his independence in daily living.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities warrants a 10 percent disability rating, as per Diagnostic Code 8515.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for GERD and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his honorable military service.

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

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's death was caused by a myocardial infarction, which is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as the veteran had no pending claims at the time of his death.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for bilateral diabetic retinopathy, effective June 30, 2004. The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with nephropathy was already rated at 20 percent prior to this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran needs his spouse to administer his daily medications due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly loss of vision. The veteran's spouse would not be able to do so without instructions from a pharmacist and/or physician, necessitating regular contact with them. Without this care, he would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional care.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange during his active duty in Vietnam. The Board also found that the veteran did not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or hypertension within one year after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and his service in Vietnam. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain deck logs from the USS NEW JERSEY for the relevant period, verify the veteran's alleged 'brown water' service, and obtain all outstanding VA medical records.