The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. His initial evaluation for residuals of a fracture with compression deformity of the thoracic spine from January 27, 1987, through August 21, 2005, is granted at 10 percent. The claim for entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is addressed in the REMAND portion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was presumed due to herbicide exposure during service near the base perimeter of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. His thoracic spine disability has been rated at 10 percent since January 27, 1987, based on pain and occasional flare-ups without limitation of motion or other criteria warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus type II, compression fracture of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1737599
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1737599.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic nephropathy, and prostate cancer. The issues of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) are remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and panic disorder with insomnia. The decision finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the erectile dysfunction was caused by these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a 20% rating for diabetes mellitus type II from June 20, 2020. The right ankle scar claim is remanded due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled examination. The GERD secondary to diabetes mellitus claim and TDIU issue are also remanded.
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