Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of his lower extremities, which qualifies him for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his active service.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and residuals of left shoulder injury, status-post reconstructive surgery. The veteran was also awarded a separate rating for his scar secondary to the left shoulder injury. Additionally, the Board found that the veteran's kidney disease and pneumonia are service connected.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent effective from November 17, 2003. His peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities were also granted increased evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding whether nonalcoholic sclerotic hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, or liver, spleen, and anemic condition are related to service-connected leishmaniasis.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions and records related to the veteran's diabetes mellitus, including potential herbicide exposure. The appeal is pending further action.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus related to his active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for bladder cancer due to herbicide exposure. The veteran served in Vietnam, but his bladder cancer was not found to be related to herbicide exposure.

The VA has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus type II does not require regulation of activities, and therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is incurred in or aggravated by active service as a result of herbicide exposure in service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims for service connection. The tinea pedis was rated as noncompensable under the old criteria.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD and denied the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart condition. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and suspiciousness without more severe manifestations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of kidney stones, pancreatitis, type II diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease related to his military service. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the eligibility criteria for dependents' educational assistance under Chapter 35.

The veteran died of coronary artery disease, and the cause of death is attributed to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus with congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, and kidney transplant, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increase in a 10 percent rating for postoperative residuals of gynecomastia and service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral gout is primarily characterized by tenderness of the proximal great toes and does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.