The Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected as they were first diagnosed after discharge from service and there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation. The Board finds that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus during service, nor was he exposed to Agent Orange while serving aboard a ship.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs do not show any diagnosis of diabetes mellitus during service. There is also no credible evidence linking his current diabetes mellitus to service or exposure to Agent Orange. The Board finds that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus in service and there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between his current conditions and service.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, severe end-stage hypertrophic arthritis with derangement of the right hip, diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity, diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity, diabetic retinopathy, ulcerations, right foot, ulcerations, left foot, left Charcot foot (ankle condition and vascular problems), vascular problems of the left lower extremity, vascular problems of the right lower extremity, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 27, 2018
- Citation
- 1825957
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1825957.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.