The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents, as well as his claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to diabetes or hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam and thus was not exposed to herbicides during service.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show the Veteran's diabetes or hypertension were present in service or for many years thereafter, or that they are otherwise related to any in-service event or illness. The Veteran also did not serve on the landmass of Vietnam or within 12 nautical miles of it.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus, type 2, hypertension, sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21039844
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 21039844.
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
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The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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