Diabetes Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no competent evidence that relates the veteran's diabetes mellitus to service or any incident of service. As a result, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange herbicides was denied.

The veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, including any complications.

The Board has determined that the character of the appellant's discharge from service constitutes a bar to payment of VA benefits. The appeal is remanded for further development and consideration.

The veteran's claims for facial neuropathy and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence. The SSA records indicate he is unemployable, and private medical records suggest a possible viral involvement with his diabetes.

The case is being remanded for further development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 60 percent rating, as it does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation based on more severe symptoms such as frequent hospitalizations or complications.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic blindness and hypertension are denied. The claim to reopen his diabetes mellitus is granted, but he does not meet the criteria for a separate rating of 30 percent for hypertensive heart disease.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. His diabetes mellitus was not found to be related to his Vietnam service or herbicide exposure, and he did not have a current diagnosis of nosebleeds. The Board also denied the claim for an initial compensable rating for pilonidal cysts with resultant surgical scars.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hypertension is related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus does not warrant a higher rating as it only requires insulin and a restricted diet, without regulation of activities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and COPD. The diagnoses of PTSD, heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and COPD were not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, heart condition, and hypertension have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions or a link to service.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for diabetic retinopathy of the right eye, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and proper notice under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a).

The veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU.

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

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and service connection for residuals of status post open arthrotomy of the left knee with calf abscess.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records, including from the VA hospitals in New Orleans and Washington D.C., as well as Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be reviewed again after this information is obtained.