The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not service-connected as it did not originate in service or until years thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.,The Veteran's right foot disorder is not service-connected as it did not originate in service or until years thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.,The Veteran’s shaking of the hands is not service-connected as it did not originate in service or until years thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence linking the diabetes mellitus to service. The Veteran's service records do not show any reference to diabetes during his active duty.,The right foot disorder was noted in a sick call report but did not result in a fracture on x-ray. The examiner opined that the current condition is less likely than not incurred in or caused by service, as there were no specific injuries to the fifth ray of either foot and the Veteran's degenerative changes are not disproportionate to what would be expected in 52 years since his discharge from service.,The tremors began in 2012, which is more than a decade after separation. The examiner noted that there was insufficient evidence to corroborate the claim as no studies have found a consistent association with remote history of toxic fume exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, right foot disorder, shaking of the hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 30, 2021
- Citation
- 21026298
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 21026298.
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: 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: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular Aid and Attendance is granted as of April 25, 2024.,For diabetes mellitus, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
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