The Board granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The claims for service connection for an eye condition, vertigo/dizziness, GERD/reflux, cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, right wrist degenerative joint disease, left wrist degenerative joint disease, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, a right foot condition, a left foot condition, and a right achilles tendon/ankle condition were denied. The claims for service connection for hypertensive heart disease/high blood pressure, sinusitis, headaches, allergic rhinitis, and a skin condition were remanded.

The deciding factor: The evidence of record supported the grant of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus based on presumed exposure to herbicides in Korea, as well as secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction, right and left lower extremity neuropathy, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. The remaining claims were denied or remanded due to insufficient evidence linking them to service.

Claimed conditions

type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, memory loss, mood disorder, nightmare, anxiety, insomnia, eye condition, vertigo/dizziness, GERD/reflux, cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, right wrist degenerative joint disease, left wrist degenerative joint disease, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, right foot condition, left foot condition, right achilles tendon/ankle condition, left achilles tendon/ankle condition

How they argued it

Presumptive (no nexus needed)

Exposure basis

Burn pits / airborne hazards

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

July 2, 2025

Citation

A25057401