The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type II, left and right lower and upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, and bilateral cataracts are all granted. The claim for service connection for tension headaches is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence supported granting service connection for the claimed conditions based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus type II (DM), left lower extremity (LLE) diabetic neuropathy, left upper extremity (LUE) diabetic neuropathy, right lower extremity (RLE) diabetic neuropathy, right upper extremity (RUE) diabetic neuropathy, bilateral cataracts
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2023
- Citation
- A23032488
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 A23032488.
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure, and also granted service connection for diabetic neuropathy of the right upper, right lower, left upper, and left lower extremities.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD), finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty at Fort McClellan. The Board also found support for secondary service connection for diabetic neuropathy of various extremities, peripheral vascular disease, and gastroparesis as secondary to DM.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) memoranda. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a new TERA memorandum considering all toxic exposures the Veteran was subject to as an aviation machinist mate/jet engine mechanic.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.