The Board denied service connection for throat cancer and diverticulitis, but remanded claims related to heart condition, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, diabetic ulcer of the left foot, and a rating of total disability based on individual unemployability.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicide agents during active military service, which is necessary for presumptive service connection. The Board also found no direct evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to service.

Claimed conditions

malignant growths of digestive system (throat cancer), diverticulitis, heart condition, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction (claimed as loss of creative organ) as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic ulcer left foot as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 20, 2025

Citation

A25090307

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