The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, and cellulitis of the lower extremities. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to new evidence showing potential exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa, Japan, but this evidence did not confirm actual exposure. Service connection was not granted as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that while the Veteran submitted internet articles suggesting possible exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa, Japan, the Department of Defense and Joint Services Records Research Center could not confirm such exposure. The Veteran's assertions were therefore insufficient to establish actual exposure to herbicide agents during his service.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, cellulitis of the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20004095
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a heart disorder, specifically atrial fibrillation, due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty service in the Republic of Vietnam.
- 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.
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.