Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and a chronic prostate disorder, finding that the veteran's conditions are related to his military service. Diabetes mellitus is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, while the chronic prostate disorder is linked to post-service continuity of symptoms.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to incomplete notification under the VCAA and need for additional medical examination.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The veteran's service connection for diabetic retinopathy was denied. Service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease was granted, with a 30% rating effective February 15, 2005.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated by service, nor did a service-connected disability cause or contribute materially to his death. The veteran's diabetes mellitus and CAD were unrelated to service-connected lumbar disc disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for type II diabetes mellitus, clinical neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and clinical neuropathy of the left lower extremity are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable rating codes.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied her claim. The Board also determined that she did not have PTSD as a result of military service.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are not service-connected due to lack of in-country exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the appellant's diabetes mellitus, type II, associated with herbicide exposure is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. Erectile dysfunction and hypertension are also presumed to be related to the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of in-service exposure and the denial of a compensable rating for tinea pedis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II; service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), erectile dysfunction, and an eye condition (claimed as retinitis and cataracts); and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and loss of sexual potency requires insulin, restricted diet, and oral hypoglycemics. The Board found that the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus was granted. Service connection for symptoms claimed as residual of Agent Orange exposure was denied, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is pending.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus requires a rating of 20 percent, which reflects his need for insulin and a restricted diet. The VA has not found any evidence to warrant an increase in the current rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking it to service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which he claims was related to his military service. The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the lack of a medical nexus opinion.

The Board has reviewed the evidence and found no basis to allow the veteran's claim for VA compensation for diabetes mellitus. The service medical records are unavailable, but there is no objective evidence to substantiate the veteran's recollections of his medical examinations in service or his assertion that sugar was detected on testing during ACDUTRA. There is also no objective medical evidence that substantiates the veteran's contention that his diabetes mellitus was secondary to his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The cause of death listed on his certificate of death is myocardial infarction due to, or as a consequence of, congestive ischemic cardiomyopathy.