Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The evidence is at least in equipoise on whether the veteran currently has a diagnosed disability of type II diabetes mellitus, which can be presumed based on his service in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for Type-II Diabetes Mellitus and PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents or combat-related stressors during the appellant's service in Korea.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and low back disability, as well as his claim for TDIU based on these conditions, were denied by the Board. The effective date is not specified.

The Board found that the veteran does not have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and elevated liver enzymes, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions in service or a nexus to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the current evaluation of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7913 accurately reflected the extent of his DM with early diabetic retinopathy, and thus a higher rating was not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, which contributed to his death from a stroke, is service-connected due to its association with exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, and a higher initial rating for hypertension.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I as there is no relationship shown by the evidence of record between his military service and his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, a facial scar, and fungal infection of the feet. The veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides in Vietnam, which supports his claim for type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, benign colon tumors, hypertension, and nerve damage involving the lower extremities due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to radiation during active service. The disabilities were not shown in service or within years following discharge.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, but granted secondary service connection for lid laxity related to the veteran's service-connected blepharitis.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, considering the impairment from the service-connected disability and his education and occupational experience.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for a scar of the lumbar spine. The evidence does not support these claims.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further evaluation and examination.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at their maximum allowable levels, with no additional ratings granted.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, from February 13, 2003, is denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depression are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective January 2004. His diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent disabling and both conditions do not render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.