The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of a service connection claim were denied. The Board found no evidence to support higher evaluations or new material evidence.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran required insulin therapy, had episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia, or had any other compensable complications from diabetes mellitus. For his gunshot wound residuals, the VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions linking the Veteran's respiratory symptoms to his service-connected conditions rather than his gunshot wounds. The scars were not painful, tender, or unstable and did not cause limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Residuals of a Gunshot Wound to the Right Chest with Missing Right 5th Rib, Residual Scars, Right Chest Gunshot Wound, Status Post Thoracostomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2015
- Citation
- 1548187
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1548187.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial PCAFC application was granted in December 2022, effective from December 21, 2022. The Board found that the criteria for eligibility were met since his initial application in December 2020.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted effective July 18, 2020. The case involves the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including PTSD, OSA, diabetes, cataracts, neuropathy, and other conditions.
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