The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes. It also readjudicated previously denied claims for a low back disability, left ankle, right ankle, and left hip strain with rheumatoid arthritis, granting some but not all.

The deciding factor: The evidence supported the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service at U-Tapao and Ubon Air Bases in Thailand, which led to the grant of diabetes mellitus, type II. The peripheral neuropathy was also granted as secondary to the service-connected diabetes.

Claimed conditions

Diabetes Mellitus, Type II, Left Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Low Back Disability, Left Ankle Disability, Right Ankle Disability, Left Hip Strain with Rheumatoid Arthritis

How they argued it

Presumptive (no nexus needed)

Exposure basis

Agent Orange / herbicides

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 4, 2025

Citation

A25095845

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine