Diabetes Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, and hypertension. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, but denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for secondary service connection for neuropathy of the lips and peripheral neuropathy of the hands, both as being caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service and have denied each claim.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection of hypertension, fatigue, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, tinea pedis and tinea capitis, and headaches are also granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to his death. The cause of death was attributed to lung metastases due to nasopharyngeal cancer, which is not shown by competent clinical evidence to be related to active service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus with bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and ulcers of right foot, blindness of the left eye, shrapnel wounds to the right side of body, a cyst, and residuals of a collapsed lung, are not supported by evidence showing they were incurred or aggravated during active military service. The veteran's claims for reopening his right knee disability claim have also been denied.

The Board found no factually ascertainable evidence supporting TDIU prior to August 28, 2003. The veteran's claim for increased ratings was received on August 28, 2003.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received from the veteran.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type 2 as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and will remand the case for such development.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on April 10, 2006 at a private hospital were reimbursed because he had seven service-connected disabilities and the VA facilities were not feasibly available to provide emergency care.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional evidence from the veteran and his representative.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have right upper extremity or left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The claims of service connection for PTSD and hypertension are also addressed in this decision.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial ratings of 20% and 10%, respectively, for prostate cancer and Type II diabetes with neuropathy associated with herbicide exposure. The conditions are rated based on their primary manifestations.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD, finding that the veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his military service is presumed. The veteran's PTSD was also found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral foot disability were not incurred or aggravated during active service, nor are they related to any in-service event. The appeal is denied.