Diabetes Board decisions

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The most recent medical evidence shows that while he requires insulin injections and a restricted diet, he does not require regulation of activities such as avoiding strenuous occupational or recreational activities.

The veteran's overpayment of VA improved pension benefits is being reviewed due to potential errors in calculation. The Committee on Waivers and Compromises has denied the request for a waiver, but further review is needed to determine if the debt was properly created.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, which was caused by his in-service exposure to herbicides, substantially contributed to his death. The claim for accrued benefits is remanded as it needs a statement of the case and proper appellate process.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy does not warrant a higher rating as it is currently managed on diet and oral agents, without requiring regulation of activities. The initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities are also denied as they do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to exposure to herbicides, including diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his condition does not warrant a 60 percent evaluation due to lack of episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations or frequent visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to ensure compliance with the VCAA. The veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and/or diabetes mellitus is being reviewed, along with his claim for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disability, residuals of frostbite to the hands and feet, or diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and medical records that may support the veteran's claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 11, 2002, for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and awarded a 20 percent rating, effective October 1, 2004. However, the veteran seeks an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction was granted, but the effective date is set at March 11, 1998.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was solely due to liver disease and not related to diabetes. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II requires insulin and a restricted diet but does not require regulation of activities. He is currently rated at 20 percent for this condition.

The veteran's claim for higher ratings and earlier effective date for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus was denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating beyond 20 percent from April 11, 2001 to July 16, 2002 and 40 percent from July 17, 2002. An effective date earlier than April 11, 2001 was not warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's schizophrenia cannot be dissociated from service, warranting a grant of service connection. However, there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus in service or within one year post-service, and thus it was denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a lightning strike to the left hand, including diabetes mellitus, an eye disorder, and a left hand disorder. However, the Board denied service connection as there is no medical evidence indicating that the veteran experienced any chronic residuals of a lightning strike while on active duty for training.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine, diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine, stomach, hemorrhoids, and hypertension conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The presumption of soundness does not apply as a pre-existing condition was noted at entry into service.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for diabetic gastroparesis and bilateral hearing loss disability was denied. The issue of severance of service connection for diabetic gastroparesis has been resolved.