Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred as a result of herbicide exposure during service in the Republic of Vietnam. His obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and dental problems are not shown to be related to service.

The Board found that diabetes mellitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the claim. The veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during service is presumed, but there is no evidence of actual exposure based on VA outpatient reports.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with mild peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet is currently rated at 20 percent.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 40 percent since December 22, 2004.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 40 percent since December 22, 2004.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 20 percent since December 22, 2004.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is currently rated at 30 percent since December 22, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, fatigue manifested by chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence did not show a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Type II diabetes, with associated retinopathy and chronic renal failure, is more likely than not related to her gestational diabetes during service.

The Board found that the causes of the veteran's death (sepsis, end-stage renal disease due to diabetes mellitus) were not caused or substantially contributed by his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent since January 27, 2003. The rating remains denied for the period from July 9, 2001, through January 26, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ. The veteran was not granted any new disability ratings or benefits.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Type II diabetes mellitus was denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than September 12, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent due to the requirement for an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet but not insulin.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused or contributed substantially or materially to cause by service-connected PTSD, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and tinnitus. The evidence did not support a finding that the veteran had either condition or that they were related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot infection and scars of the upper lip and face were denied as there was no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an in-service injury or exposure. The Board found that his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and variously diagnosed cardiovascular disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year post-service. The Board also found that there is insufficient medical evidence to link these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that the veteran did not have actual exposure to herbicides in Vietnam or evidence of chronic conditions within one year post-service. The claim was also not granted on a direct basis due to lack of medical evidence linking current diagnoses to military service.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of in-country Vietnam service and thus no presumption of exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also found no current medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritic changes of the acromioclavicular joint with associated impingement involving the left shoulder and for an increased rating for his recurrent dislocation of the right shoulder. The RO granted service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to hepatitis C, but did not grant a higher initial rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension with bilateral PVD, and coronary artery disease.

The appeal for an effective date prior to September 21, 2000 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.