The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's postoperative recurrent pterygium of both eyes, finding that his vision did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to other underlying conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
The deciding factor: The veteran's decreased visual acuity was attributed to non-service-connected conditions like age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation, which precluded a higher evaluation based on his service-connected eye disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative recurrent pterygium, Corneal scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2001
- Citation
- 0113438
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0113438.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residual corneal scar of the right eye was denied, while his claim for a separate initial 10 percent disability rating for right eye corneal scar was granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of discoloration of the face was granted. The appeal for a compensable evaluation for left eye corneal scar is remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left eye optic nerve drusen with visual field defects and right eye corneal scar are not service-connected, as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury. The Veteran was denied both his claim for service connection and his request for an initial compensable evaluation for his right eye condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.
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