Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran seeks an increased disability rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran requires regulation of activity as a result of his service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person (A&A) or at the housebound rate.

The Board found that the veteran's blackouts, pes planus, and diabetes mellitus are due to disease or injury incurred in service. The hydrocele of the right testicle is not shown to be related to service. The acquired eye disorder and speech defect are not shown to be due to service.

The Board has ordered additional medical records and further review of the veteran's case to determine if service connection for his cause of death can be established, as well as eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to have originated in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The low back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from engaging in substantial gainful employment before January 2, 2003. Therefore, an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the veteran's death was caused by service-connected conditions or exposure to ionizing radiation. The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack due to coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the right and left heels, including bone spurs and plantar fasciitis. The claim for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure is also denied.

The veteran's diabetes was not incurred or aggravated in service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of these conditions.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current disabilities to his service, including hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesteremia. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his receipt of a total rating and no further action is required.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate a need for regulation of activities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnoses of hypertensive vascular disease and diabetes mellitus are not related to his service, and have denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a nerves and anxiety disorder, PTSD, an enlarged heart, a stomach condition, and diabetes mellitus type II (DM), including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hypertension due to disease or injury incurred in service, and it may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim of service connection for diabetic retinopathy is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus contributes to the severity of his hypertension, and therefore secondary service connection is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gas and constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, coronary pulmonary disease, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that these conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection based on their onset during or within one year after service.