The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, amputations, and an anxiety disorder are granted. The issues of service connection for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, back disability, sleep apnea, hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, kidney disability (hematuria), and GERD and tinea corporis are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service at the U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. His conditions are presumed related to this exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease, Diabetes mellitus, Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Left toe amputations, Right toe amputations, Acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19143704
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's coronary artery disease for all periods on appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; cervical spine radiculopathy, right upper extremity; coronary artery disease; and right ear hearing loss.
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