Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for service connection were denied. The RO continued the 20% evaluation for diabetes mellitus, granted separate 10% evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity, but did not grant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the reopening of a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder and an increased evaluation for diabetes. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The veteran's appeal for special monthly pension on account of the need for aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his disabilities, including type II diabetes mellitus, venous insufficiency, lung condition, essential hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The Board found that he needs regular aid and attendance as he is so nearly helpless in performing activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing himself, keeping himself clean, cooking for himself, and protecting himself from hazards.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for additional development, including obtaining service records from Fort Buchanan and seeking a medical opinion regarding the likely date of onset of the veteran's diabetes.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including scheduling a hearing for the appellant and obtaining additional medical records. The veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Hypertensive Vascular Disease (claimed as Hypertension), and an increased evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2. The veteran did not have combat duty or verified in-service stressors for PTSD. His hypertension was not found to be due to his diabetes mellitus, type 2, nor were there any other service-connected conditions that caused or aggravated his hypertension.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied, and the Board dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability due to exposure to ionizing radiation in service, including diabetes mellitus type II and primary or acute lateral sclerosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus warrants a rating of 60 percent, reflecting the need for insulin and restricted diet with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the hands and legs have been denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is causally related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The veteran's hypertension and hyperthyroidism are not service-connected. The Board is unable to determine if the veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his service, but it is service-connected. His diabetes mellitus remains service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disability, an initial evaluation greater than 30 percent for PTSD, and an initial evaluation greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The veteran was also denied a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.,For peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities (right and left), the current ratings of 10 percent are appropriate as there is no objective evidence of more than mild impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to have contributed to the amputation of his right leg above the knee.,The veteran meets criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to loss of one foot.,Special monthly compensation based on anatomical loss of one foot is granted.,Temporary total rating for convalescence period following surgery resulting from service-connected disabilities is denied.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his claim for service connection for Charcot's disease, and the RO's rating decisions of November 1976 and April 1981 were found to be correct.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for cause of death and eligibility for dependents' educational assistance (DEA) as there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between the veteran's service, his service-connected condition, or any other conditions leading to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, varicose veins, and bilateral cataracts and pseudophakia did not manifest within one year of his separation from service in October 1994. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are more likely unrelated to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to service and cannot be presumed due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.