The Board has found the Veteran's diabetes mellitus warrants a 100 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The death of the Veteran was due to cardiac arrhythmias, dementia, and c. diff colitis. However, the cause of death is not clear as to whether it was related to service or his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not provide sufficient analysis to determine if the Veteran's death was related to service or his service connected disabilities, particularly regarding diabetes mellitus and its impact on c. diff colitis.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Diabetic Retinopathy with Ischemic Maculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2021
- Citation
- 21028405
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 21028405.
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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