Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to a lack of proper VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The appellant's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent, but he claims entitlement to a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a link between the claimed conditions and service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The veteran's dyshidrotic dermatitis of the right hand does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection is granted for PTSD based on confirmed in-service stressors.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus did not substantially or materially contribute to his death from renal cell cancer, and thus does not warrant service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has denied a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, as the evidence does not show that it requires regulation of activities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right pterygium was not shown to cause any loss of vision, while the inactive pulmonary tuberculosis did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and PTSD due to lack of verification of service stressors, need for additional medical examination, and review of the claims file.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of loss of use of both lower extremities due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not meet the criteria for SMC under VA regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD or diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's bladder cancer residuals were rated as noncompensable from March to June 2003, and increased to 10 percent in June 2003. The RO denied a higher rating for the period since February 26, 2004. Service connection was granted for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart condition due to potential issues with scheduling an examination and obtaining medical records.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 10 percent from October 16, 2001 to April 27, 2003 and 20 percent thereafter. The veteran's tinea pedis with onychomycosis is currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 10 percent prior to July 26, 2005 and increased to 20 percent from that date. Service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction were denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy warrants a 40 percent evaluation, as it requires insulin and restricted diet regulation of activities.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus due to presumed exposure to herbicides during active duty. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy is addressed in the remand below.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, service connection for arthritis of the hands, diabetes mellitus, and psoriasis. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Board's decision is dismissed because the January 27, 2005 decision has been vacated by the Court.

The VA has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent due to the lack of evidence showing regulation of activities.