The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus II and right bicep tendon tear with tendinosis and AC joint arthritis due to incomplete VA examination reports. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his diabetes, which he asserts was caused by in-service anthrax vaccinations or weight control programs. He also seeks an increased rating for his right shoulder disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found the October 2016 VA examination report unclear and inadequate regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes, and requested a new addendum opinion. The August 2017 letter from the Veteran's representative highlighted concerns about the adequacy of the August 2016 VA examination for his right shoulder disability.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetes mellitus II, right bicep tendon tear with tendinosis and AC joint arthritis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18152640
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 18152640.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus II and associated conditions have produced impairment inconsistent with obtaining or following substantially gainful employment from June 12, 2017, to March 5, 2024. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in developing evidence related to possible ionizing radiation exposure and TERA participation. The claim will be reconsidered with proper development of this information.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 10, 2018 for the establishment of service connection for diabetes mellitus II (DMII), finding that the Veteran's condition was directly related to his military service and exposure to toxic substances.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for accrued benefits for diabetes mellitus II, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam is presumed and that he currently has a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus II.
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