Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran seeks a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the right ankle and diabetes mellitus with retinopathy. The case is being remanded for further examination and adjudication.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, fatigue, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, a joint disability, and nerve damage. The veteran does not have current diagnoses or competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and to reopen his claims, except for prostate cancer which was granted based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorder and diabetes mellitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other presumptive conditions.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The issue of service connection for cirrhosis of the liver due to exposure to herbicides or as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated during service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, high frequency hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and residuals of prostate cancer. The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, left shoulder, and right knee were not found to be related to his active duty service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus, currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus Type II, with mild peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. The current rating adequately compensates for his condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy are being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from April 1, 2004 to April 6, 2004 was denied as he did not meet the statutory requirements for payment under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and assigned an effective date of August 23, 1996. The claim for residuals of an injury to the forehead was denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing a current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to January 16, 2001 for service connection of diabetes mellitus secondary to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The appeal was also denied regarding a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection are being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a nexus opinion.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in several conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, geographic tongue, and a right wrist ganglion cyst. The claim for otitis media and externa was also withdrawn. As such, the Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his hospitalization records and current treatment status.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death and also denied basic eligibility for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to lack of evidence linking the veteran's death to his service.

The veteran's causes of death - chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus type II, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral vascular disease - are not related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death must be denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he cannot perform many daily functions unassisted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.