Citation Nr: 21004571 Decision Date: 01/27/21 Archive Date: 01/27/21 DOCKET NO. 18-35 091 DATE: January 27, 2021 ORDER Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, is granted. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2, is granted. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left upper extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2, is granted. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2 is granted. Service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy right lower extremity as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2 is granted. Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Veteran served in the official eligible offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War Era, meaning that he is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents during service. 2. The Veteran has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, type 2, and CAD. 3. Medical evidence indicates that the Veteran’s bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. The criteria for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1116, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.159, 3.303, 3.307, 3.309. 2. 2. The criteria for service connection for CAD have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1116, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.159, 3.303, 3.307, 3.309. 3. The criteria for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right upper extremity have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. 4. The criteria for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left upper extremity have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. 5. The criteria for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the right lower extremity have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. 6. The criteria for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the left lower extremity have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS The Veteran served on active duty from September 1968 to July 1970. The Veteran testified before a Veterans Law Judge at a Board hearing in January 2021. These matters are on appeal from a March 2016 rating decision. The Veteran contends that he developed diabetes mellitus, CAD and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during his service in the RVN. The Veteran has been found to be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides in service, and has been found to have diabetes mellitus, type II, and CAD. Accordingly, service connection is granted for these disabilities as due to Agent Orange exposure. In addition, the Veteran’s bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been attributed to the now service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. Accordingly, secondary service connection is established for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy. 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. The Veteran’s claims are granted. MATTHEW W. BLACKWELDER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Carole Kammel, Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.