Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have had its onset due to herbicide (Agent Orange) exposure during service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his myocardial infarction is presumed to be related to his status as a former prisoner of war. The appellant's claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final decision.

The VA denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, finding that the veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not materially contribute to his impairment, thus denying his eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant a higher initial rating than 20 percent, as it is currently shown to be no more disabling than requiring insulin and restricted diet.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, finding that his condition did not warrant such a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus, finding that the earliest possible effective date is the date of receipt of his formal claim on January 10, 2005.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for further development and clarification of whether the service-connected diabetes caused or aggravated the veteran's hypertension.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims for increased evaluations. The right knee arthritis is found to be productive of painful motion, warranting a separate 10 percent evaluation.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II due to herbicide exposure during his military service. The case has been remanded for additional information and development.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and increased ratings for PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of Type II diabetes mellitus and that there was no evidence to support presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor is it presumed to have been incurred during service. The evidence did not support a finding of an in-service diagnosis of diabetes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions of diabetes mellitus, type II, allergies (presumably allergic rhinitis), and cataracts are not related to service exposure to neurotoxins. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for a TDIU have been met.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disorders (including bronchitis and pneumonia), kidney disorder, bilateral eye disorder, chronic hearing disability, asbestosis, and prostate disorder are not related to his active service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy as a result of exposure to herbicides. The issues of service connection for hypothyroidism and hypertension, secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The VA has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, which was granted service connection for in December 2002 and is currently rated at 10 percent, does not require insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents to manage. The disability requires only a restricted diet.