The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus II and ischemic heart disease on a basis other than the PACT Act, finding that exposure to herbicide agents during service in Guam is presumed.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disabilities are related to his exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus II, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery bypass graft (ischemic heart disease (IHD))
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2023
- Citation
- 23052863
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 23052863.
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 service-connected diabetes mellitus II and associated conditions have produced impairment inconsistent with obtaining or following substantially gainful employment from June 12, 2017, to March 5, 2024. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in developing evidence related to possible ionizing radiation exposure and TERA participation. The claim will be reconsidered with proper development of this information.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 10, 2018 for the establishment of service connection for diabetes mellitus II (DMII), finding that the Veteran's condition was directly related to his military service and exposure to toxic substances.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for accrued benefits for diabetes mellitus II, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam is presumed and that he currently has a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus II.
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.