Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral optic nerve Drusen with secondary optic atrophy and loss of peripheral vision did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 60 percent, as his visual acuity was no worse than 20/25 in both eyes and his average concentric contraction of visual fields was between 13-51 degrees on the right eye and 26-55 degrees on the left eye. The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation was therefore denied.

The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, as his visual acuity and field vision impairment were within the range of those already assigned in his current 60 percent evaluation.

Claimed conditions
bilateral optic nerve Drusen with secondary optic atrophy and loss of peripheral vision
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
60%
Decision date
January 27, 2000
Citation
0002143

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 0002143.

What this means for you

A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.

What you can do next

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.