Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that it is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for sciatic neuropathy and diabetes mellitus, as well as his claim for an increased rating for chronic cervical spine strain. The veteran's cervical spine disability was evaluated at a 20% rating based on its range of motion.

The veteran's service connection claim for Type II diabetes mellitus, due to exposure in Vietnam, is granted as he set foot in Vietnam and the statutory presumption of herbicide exposure applies.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure are being remanded for further development.

The veteran's medical expenses for a service-connected condition were not reimbursable by VA because prior authorization was not obtained and the treatment provided at a non-VA facility was deemed feasible.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are both granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II. The veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor or exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea. His diabetes was not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on his housebound status.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, facial scars, and headaches. The combined evaluation of these conditions is at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary with regard to the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The RO should obtain all relevant medical records and request an opinion from a VA examiner regarding the relationship between the veteran's coronary artery disease and his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's type 1 diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to be of service onset. The claim is denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of Asiatic flu and diabetes mellitus, but granted service connection for the veteran's current disability. The claims for CTS, additional disability from sinus surgery, and arthritis were all denied.

The veteran's appeal is currently on hold due to a stay imposed by the Secretary of VA. The issues related to service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, bilateral neuropathy of the feet, bilateral vision problems, loss of a right foot toe, and bilateral ulcers of the feet are subject to this stay. Hypertension remains an issue that will be addressed once the stay is lifted.

The VA determined that the veteran's diabetes did not improve and thus denied reducing his disability rating from 60 percent to 40 percent.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure in Korea, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, Type II, lupus erythematosus, and hypertension. The evidence does not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran's initial claim for diabetes mellitus was granted, and a 10% rating was assigned effective November 13, 2003. The RO increased the rating to 20% from November 1, 2004.,PTSD with secondary panic disorder was initially rated at 50%, effective October 31, 2004. The veteran's PTSD rating has been increased to 70% from that date.

The veteran's cause of death was due to cardiorespiratory arrest, pneumonia, and other conditions not related to his military service. The Board denied the claim for nonservice-connected death pension as he did not have wartime service or entitlement to compensation for a service-connected disability.