The Board has remanded both the cause of death and DIC claims due to potential new evidence regarding diabetes mellitus, Type 2. The Veteran's death was attributed to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis but his widow contends that he had pre-existing diabetes which contributed to his death.
The deciding factor: A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran had a diagnosable disability of diabetes mellitus, Type 2 and whether it substantially or materially contributed to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, Diabetes mellitus, Type 2
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20071346
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20071346.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining expert medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease. The Appellant is also given an opportunity to provide evidence of chronic alcohol abuse.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the claim for accrued benefits is untimely.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and diabetes mellitus, are shown to preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work background.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
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