The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities (claimed as secondary to diabetes), and ischemic heart disease. The evidence did not support claims based on herbicide exposure or presumptive service connection.,Service connection was denied because there was no credible evidence showing in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides, and the Veteran's conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran did not have a confirmed history of herbicide exposure during service. The evidence also did not show any relationship between the Veteran’s current conditions (diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease) and his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Neuropathy, bilateral upper and lower extremities (claimed as secondary to diabetes), Ischemic Heart Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23048407
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 23048407.
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: Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial PCAFC application was granted in December 2022, effective from December 21, 2022. The Board found that the criteria for eligibility were met since his initial application in December 2020.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease was granted a 30% disability rating effective August 31, 2010. The condition manifested as cardiac hypertrophy and a workload of greater than 5.0 but less than 7.0 METs without congestive heart failure or LVEF of 50 percent or less.
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