The Board granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease with angina, myocardial infarction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The claims for deep vein thrombosis and cellulitis were remanded.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's duties placed him near the perimeter of U-Tapao RTAFB in Thailand, resulting in exposure to herbicides, which is presumptively associated with type II diabetes mellitus, CAD with angina, MI, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board found that his diabetic peripheral neuropathy was caused by his service-connected diabetes.

Claimed conditions

Type II diabetes mellitus, Coronary artery disease (CAD) with angina, Myocardial infarction (MI), Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity secondary to diabetes, Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity secondary to diabetes, Peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity secondary to diabetes, Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity secondary to diabetes, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the right lower extremity, to include as a result of exposure to herbicide agents, and/or secondary to service-connected disability, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity, to include as result of exposure to herbicide agents, and/or secondary to service-connected disability, Cellulitis of the bilateral lower extremities, to include as a result of exposure to herbicide agents, and/or secondary to service-connected disability

How they argued it

Presumptive (no nexus needed)

Exposure basis

Agent Orange / herbicides

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 10, 2025

Citation

A25021828

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