The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions for service connection of diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities were not conducted prior to the February 2021 and October 2021 AMA rating decisions. The appellant's Air Force Reserve service is considered a period of active duty training (ACDUTRA), which does not qualify for presumptive service connection under VA law.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there were pre-decisional duty to assist errors in failing to schedule the appellant for VA examinations and opinions addressing the etiology of his diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Right Upper Extremity, Diabetic Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 13, 2021
- Citation
- A21019787
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 A21019787.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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