Diabetes Board decisions

The veteran's application for special monthly pension on account of need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied due to the absence of a single permanent disability rated at 100%.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, which was previously denied in May 1978. The case is now remanded for further development.

The veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected disability pension benefits due to his service in the Philippine Scouts.

The Board has remanded the case due to changes in VA laws and regulations, specifically the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA), which requires the VA to assist the appellant in obtaining relevant records that may support her claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted service connection effective December 1, 1981. The appeal is for an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an eye disability. The veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, diverticulosis, and internal hemorrhoids are all rated based on their current severity.

The veteran's daughter, who is over the age of 18 and deemed a 'child' due to her disabilities prior to reaching 18 years old, has been granted an increased apportionment of $359 per month for her benefit. This decision was based on evidence showing that she had special needs and hardship.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hearing loss.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 3, 1995 for a 20 percent evaluation of service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as his visual acuity did not meet the criteria for aid and attendance benefits, and there were no other disabilities that necessitated such benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cholecystectomy and pancreatectomy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prostate disorder with prostatectomy, and cataract of the right eye. The appeals were based on the veteran's assertions that these conditions are related to his military service.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of a hernia residual scar, service connection for an obstructive lung defect (claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness), and diabetes mellitus. The RO also referred the issue of seeking service connection on account of a left knee disability to the RO for appropriate action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as his condition is currently treated with dietary restrictions and oral hypoglycemic agents without requiring insulin or regulation of activities.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and a low back injury. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for a low back injury.

The Board denied a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not support a 40% rating under DC 7913 due to lack of medical evidence showing regulated activities.

The veteran's claimed conditions of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and left total hip replacement due to arthritis were not shown during service or within one year post-service. The Board found no presumption applicable.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ulcer, and hiatal hernia. The appeals are now on their merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, finding that the evidence did not support these findings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, compression fractures of the lumbar spine, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and anxiety disorder. The appeal is based on evidence that was not previously considered.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 60 percent disabling, effective from the date of his claim. He also has service-connected peripheral neuropathy of both feet, which are separately rated.