The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at the Ubon RTAFB. The Board finds that he was likely exposed to herbicides during service and grants service connection for this condition on a presumptive basis. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is secondary to his diabetes mellitus, type II.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's personnel records show he was stationed at Ubon RTAFB where herbicides were likely used near the perimeter of the base, bringing him into potential exposure. The Board finds this evidence sufficient to grant presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 13, 2019
- Citation
- 19146245
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus to obtain further medical opinions regarding their potential relationship to toxic exposures during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right foot, left elbow, left hip, left ankle, and diabetes mellitus to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for cervical spine condition, diabetes mellitus, heart condition, lumbar spine condition, and urinary frequency and voiding condition as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence or aggravation.
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