Diabetes (Type 2) VA Claim Grants

Findings of Fact (verbatim from decision)

1. The evidence of record persuasively weighs in favor of finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during active duty service, and his DM2 is presumed to be causally related to this in-service exposure. 2. In November 2025, prior to promulgating a decision in the appeal, the Board received written notification from the Veteran that he seeks withdrawal of his appeal of his claim for entitlement to service connection for a lung condition.

Reasons & Bases (verbatim excerpts from decision)

This matter was previously before the Board and remanded on two prior occasions, in May 2022 and October 2023. After the remand, in November 2025, the Veteran submitted a written request to withdraw the appeal of his entitlement to service connection for lung condition. Therefore, the sole remaining issue for adjudication is entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM2). […] 1. Entitlement to service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II (DM2) […] Based on the unique facts and circumstances of the Veteran's service, the Board finds he had qualified active duty service during the requisite dates of 1964 and 1965, and a requisite location, in Vietnam. The RO conceded that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of diabetes, which is one of the enumerated conditions. As such, a causal link between his diabetes disability and his herbicide exposure is presumed. Therefore, entitlement to service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II, on a presumptive basis, is warranted. Accordingly, the appeal is granted.

Findings of Fact (verbatim from decision)

1. The Veteran's CAD is related to exposure to radioactive waste during his period of active duty service. 2. The Veteran's colon cancer is related to exposure to radioactive waste during his period of active duty service. 3. The Veteran's DM2 is related to exposure to radioactive waste during his period of active duty service.

Reasons & Bases (verbatim excerpts from decision)

The question for the Board is whether the Veteran's current disabilities began during service or is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.? The Board concludes that the Veteran has current diagnoses of CAD, residuals of colon cancer, and DM2 that were caused by exposure to radioactive waste during his period of active duty service. […] The record additionally includes November 2024 VA medical opinions wherein VA examiners opined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not related to radiation exposure. (11/18/2024, C&P Exam, p. 5). The Board finds that the November 2024 opinions are inadequate, as the opinions do not address the positive evidence of record, including the March 2018 opinion from the Veteran's private medical provider, Dr. Blevins' opinion, or the medical articles submitted by the Veteran. Further, in a May 2025 decision the Board found that these opinions were not responsive to the Board's previous remand directives. […] Conversely, the negative VA opinions failed to address the positive evidence of record and did not substantially comply with the Board's remand directives. The Board thus places more probative weight on the March 2018 and March 2025 medical opinions.

Findings of Fact (verbatim from decision)

1. The Veteran's available military personnel records show that he was deployed to Southeast Asia to assist with launching, parking, and servicing aircrafts for 180 days. 2. A records research response in November 2020 confirmed that the Veteran's unit, the 18th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron (18th AEMS), was deployed to DaNang Airforce Base in South Vietnam to provide armament and electronic support for the 18th TFW in December 1964. 3. The Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while deployed to Southeast Asia as an Aircraft Radio Technician. 4. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II that was caused by exposure to herbicide agents. 5.…

Reasons & Bases (verbatim excerpts from decision)

In a June 2020 Board decision, the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were remanded as inextricably intertwined with his diabetes mellitus type II claim (pending in the modernized review system). The Board remanded the issue of service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II to verify the Veteran's herbicide agent exposure. Since a review of the record shows that a Records Research Response was provided on the diabetes issue, the Board finds that this matter is ready for adjudication. […] 1. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is granted. […] The Veteran contends that he is entitled to service connection for bilateral left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (neuropathy) because the condition is secondary to his diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), which he believes was caused by his herbicide agent exposure while stationed in Vietnam and Thailand during his service. […] Therefore, his neuropathy was proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. Accordingly, the Board finds that service connection for left and right lower extremity neuropathy is warranted, and it is therefore granted. 38 U.S.C. § 5107(b); 38 C.F.R. § 3.102.

Findings of Fact (verbatim from decision)

Applying benefit of the doubt, the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

Findings of Fact (verbatim from decision)

1. From March 6, 2014, the Veteran's TMJ has been characterized by interincisal range limited to 0 to 10 millimeters. 2. From September 10, 2017, the Veteran's TMJ has been characterized by interincisal range of 0 to 0 millimeters of maximum unassisted vertical opening with dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods. 3. The Veteran's generalized osteoarthritis of the hips, shoulders, ankles, and hands were aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. 4. The Veteran's prostate disorder was caused by his service-connected diabetes. 5.…

Reasons & Bases (verbatim excerpts from decision)

As to a current disability, the Veteran has been diagnosed with benign hypertrophy of the prostate and actively takes medication. See generally CAPRI Records Problem List. As to a separate disability already subject to service connection, the Veteran has been in receipt of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II from December 18, 2006. See June 2019 Rating Decision Codesheet. Thus, the remaining question is whether the Veteran's prostate disorder is due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.? Vet. at 439.