Citation Nr: 21031792 Decision Date: 05/24/21 Archive Date: 05/24/21 DOCKET NO. 17-22 548 DATE: May 24, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as a result of exposure to herbicides is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for any bowel condition is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Air Force from January 1965 to September 1969, including service in Thailand. The Veteran testified in a virtual Board hearing before the undersigned in February 2021; a copy of the transcript is in the claims file. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from rating decisions dated December 2016, July 2017, and July 2018 of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) which denied the claims on appeal. The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, a gastrointestinal disability, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. He contends that his disabilities are secondary to alleged in-service exposures to herbicides while stationed in Thailand. See generally, February 2021 Board Hearing Transcript. The Board notes that there are no statutory or regulatory presumptions regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand. However, VA will presume that a veteran who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War Era was exposed to herbicide agents if: (1) the veteran was in the Air Force, (2) the veteran served at the Royal Thai Air Force Bases of U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, or Don Muang, and (3) the veteran served as a security policeman, security patrol dog handler, or member of a security police squadron, or otherwise served near a base perimeter, as shown by the Veteran's military occupational specialty (MOS), daily work duties, performance evaluations, or other credible evidence. Upon review of the record, the Board finds that additional evidentiary development is required in order to afford the Veteran appropriate consideration of his claims. The Veteran's military personnel records reflect that he was stationed at the Udorn Air Force Base in Thailand from September 1967 to September 1968. The Veteran's MOS of computer repairman, in and of itself, fails to establish that he served near a base perimeter. However, the Veteran has submitted photos and lay statements in support of his contention that his barrack and latrine were relatively close to the Udorn base perimeter. He described experiencing weather elements, to include wind and rain, through the screening and louvered windows of the barracks. While helpful to his claim, the photos and lay statements do not determine whether the Veteran was relatively close to the perimeter or within the herbicide drift zone. The Board finds that additional evidence could establish whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed in Thailand. As such, remand is required to further assist the Veteran in developing his claim. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Conduct the necessary development to obtain any photos and maps of Udorn AFB, Thailand along with any additional information to determine the proximity of the base perimeter of any of the Veteran's duty locations, to include barrack 939, where the Veteran stayed, and the latrine and whether exiting Gate B to enter the nearby highway involved entering the herbicide sprayed perimeter. The Veteran is encouraged to submit any additional information relevant to his claim, to include any information pertaining to herbicide drift zones. T. MAINELLI Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Orie, 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.