The Veteran's service connection claims for Type II diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, cataracts (right and left eyes), hypertension, respiratory disability, recurrent ear disabilities, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted due to herbicide agent exposure in Thailand. The appeals for a right eye disability, left eye disability, and service connection for recurrent ear disabilities are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service duties placed him near the perimeter of Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base where he was exposed to herbicide agents, which is presumed due to his proximity to the base. His Type II diabetes mellitus developed following service, and his eye and respiratory conditions are related to this primary disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Type II diabetes mellitus, Right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, Left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, Cataract (right eye), Cataract (left eye), Hypertension, Respiratory disability, Recurrent right ear disability, Recurrent left ear disability, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21064223
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21064223.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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