The Veteran's application to reopen her claim of service connection for DM is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted, reopening the claim. However, the claims for service connection for osteoporosis and a skin condition are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's application was reopened based on new evidence related to her exposure to environmental hazards while stationed at Fort McClellan. The claims for DM, osteoporosis, and a skin condition remain pending as further medical opinions are needed to determine the relationship between these conditions and service or exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus type II (DM), osteoporosis, a skin condition
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18142427
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18142427.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for an inguinal hernia and remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, a skin condition, suspicious nevus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Partly granted
The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for PTSD as moot and denied the claim for service connection for osteoporosis. The claims for service connection for hypertension and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including prostate gland injuries, sleep apnea, DM, and hypertension, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service. The application to readjudicate previously denied claims for memory loss, teeth removal, and eye defects was also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded to ensure that the appellant receives every possible consideration, including a new VA examination.
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