Diabetes Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The RO is instructed to take all necessary actions to locate and rebuild the original claims folder, provide proper VCAA notice, and then review the claims in light of the evidence of record.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as the earliest possible effective date is August 30, 2002.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. M., conducting VA examinations, and reviewing the claims folder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and Hepatitis C were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, including exposure to herbicides. As a result, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure is being remanded. The issue of a higher rating for tinnitus remains pending.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings had not been met, and there was no evidence of new and material information to reopen previously denied service connection claims.

The Board has decided in favor of the veteran, granting service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus as a direct result of his active service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to have been incurred due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to lack of evidence showing she requires assistance from another person.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumptively related to his service in Vietnam, including exposure to Agent Orange. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The veteran's treatment at a non-VA facility was deemed necessary due to his critical condition, and he could not be safely transferred to a VA facility until December 31, 2003. The Board found that the veteran is eligible for reimbursement of the cost of this treatment.

The veteran claims service connection for diabetes mellitus, which he asserts is due to his military service and exposure to Agent Orange. The Board has determined that the RO failed to provide proper VCAA notice and did not obtain all relevant VA treatment records.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus did not begin during service and was not caused by any incident of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they combine to a rating of 60 percent, which is less than the required 70 percent. The examination did not indicate unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied in August 2001. The RO found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim. His other service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back disorder, neck disorder, left wrist disorder, diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for PTSD, but dismissed the claim for diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy have been rated at 20 percent since February 6, 2001. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.