Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD and DM is being remanded for additional development of the evidence.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that medications administered during his military service caused or contributed substantially to causing his death.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, as well as for residuals of frostbite and PTSD, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The appellant was also found not eligible for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not require regulation of activities.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that diabetes mellitus, presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam, played a material causal role in his death.

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional evidence and readjudicate the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and an increased rating for chondromalacia of the left patella. The claim for a temporary total (convalescent) rating following plantar fibroma surgery was also denied.

The veteran's ingrown toenail of the right great toe does not demonstrate a moderately severe symptom, and his service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the reduction from a 40 percent evaluation to a 20 percent evaluation for type 2 diabetes mellitus was proper, as the veteran's condition had shown material improvement under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The veteran's service-connected hearing loss was found to be non-compensable, and the appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus is stayed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and a mental disorder, including anxiety and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetic nephropathy and denied the other claims, including those related to a liver condition, back condition, and high cholesterol.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent at any time since the effective date of service connection on May 8, 2001.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he is not bedridden, does not require regular aid and attendance, and is not substantially confined to his house.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hepatitis C, finding that the veteran did not have service in Vietnam or any other area where exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange could be presumed. The Board also found no evidence linking the current diagnoses of these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and an additional etiological opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hip disability, low back disability, amputation of the right big toe, amputation of toes of the left foot, or recurrent ulcerations of the feet that are attributable to military service. Diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerotic heart disease were not shown within one year of separation from active duty.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus requires a restricted diet and insulin but does not necessitate a restriction on activities, preventing him from receiving a higher rating of 40 percent. His erectile dysfunction is service-connected at the noncompensable level.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disability, end stage renal disease, and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.