The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records show he was aboard the USS HALEAKALA in Vietnam, which is considered presumptive exposure to herbicides. The Board found that his conditions are related to this presumed exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic heart disease, Diabetes mellitus, type II, Right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, Left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2018
- Citation
- 18141051
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 18141051.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of ischemic heart disease and diabetes, and these claims are dismissed.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding no evidence that his death was related to any injury or disease in service, including exposure to herbicide agents.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
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