The Board denied service connection for macular degeneration and cataract of the left eye, and did not reopen the claim for chorioretinitis of the left eye due to lack of new and material evidence.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not include a nexus opinion relating current macular degeneration or cataract of the left eye to active service. The veteran's lay statements were not considered competent to diagnose the cause of current disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- macular degeneration, cataract
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 11, 2000
- Citation
- 0018051
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 0018051.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for glaucoma and macular degeneration, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for non-allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and macular degeneration based on the evidence of record.
- Denied
The appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for open angle glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataract (eye disability) was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were caused by VA's carelessness or negligence.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for macular degeneration and sleep apnea.
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