Citation Nr: 18159709
Decision Date: 12/19/18	Archive Date: 12/19/18

DOCKET NO. 17-09 597
DATE:	December 19, 2018
ORDER
Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted.
Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1.  The Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB).  
2.  Diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were diagnosed following service.  
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1.  The criteria for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus have been met.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1116, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.307(a)(6), 3.309(e).
2.  The criteria for service connection for coronary artery disease have been met.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1116, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.307(a)(6), 3.309(e).
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
Service Connection
1. Service connection for coronary artery disease
2. Service connection for diabetes mellitus
The Veteran asserts he was exposed to herbicides while serving at Udorn RTAFB in Thailand.  Service records confirm his presence at Udorn.
Type II diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease (to include coronary artery disease) are listed among the conditions presumed to be service connected in Veterans that have been exposed to certain herbicide agents.  Veterans who served in Vietnam are presumed to have been exposed to these herbicides, including Agent Orange.  38 U.S.C. § 1116; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.307(a)(6)(iii), 3.309(e). 
VA has determined that consideration should be given to claimants whose duties placed them on or near the perimeters of certain Thai military bases, as it has been accepted that here was sporadic use of commercial herbicides within the fenced perimeters of several bases in Thailand, including Udorn.  In general, if the evidence shows that the Veteran’s duties, as shown by evidence of daily work duties, performance evaluation reports, or other credible evidence, placed him or her near the air base perimeter, then VA is to concede herbicide exposure on a direct or facts found basis.  
In this case, the Veteran served as a munitions maintenance specialist.  A photograph submitted by the Veteran indicates that the munitions maintenance area was adjacent to the flight line.  The Veteran has stated that the area directly next to the flight line was sprayed with herbicides almost daily to kill any vegetation.  He has also stated that he crossed the perimeter of the base daily on his way to and from work.   
The medical evidence of record reflects that the Veteran has diagnoses of type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.  Given these facts, and upon resolution of all reasonable doubt in the Veteran’s favor, the Board concludes that service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease is warranted.  38 U.S.C.A. § 5107 (b); 38 C.F.R. § 3.102.

 
DONNIE R. HACHEY
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	J. Barone, Counsel