The Veteran's back condition, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral cataracts, peripheral vascular disease (left and right lower extremities), coronary artery disease post-CABG, left below-the-knee amputation, status post right 4th and 5th toe amputations with foot ulcers, recurring infections, psychiatric disorder, bleeding ulcers, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is denied as there is no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during active duty.

The deciding factor: The Veteran did not have any in-service injury or disease that could reasonably be linked to his current conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II which the Veteran reported first occurring years after service. The other conditions are found to be related to service based on their onset and treatment records post-service.

Claimed conditions

back condition, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral cataracts, peripheral vascular disease (left lower extremity), peripheral vascular disease (right lower extremity), coronary artery disease (CAD), post coronary artery bypass graft, left below-the-knee amputation, status post right 4th and 5th toe amputations with history of foot ulcers, recurring infections, psychiatric disorder, bleeding ulcers (also claimed as stomach condition), left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 24, 2019

Citation

19181135