The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for blindness of the right eye was denied by the RO, as the medical opinions provided did not support a connection between his pre-existing condition and the VA treatment.
The deciding factor: Medical opinions were inconclusive regarding whether the veteran's blindness resulted from the VA surgery or if it was due to his pre-existing condition.
- Claimed conditions
- blindness of the right eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2001
- Citation
- 0121012
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 0121012.
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 right eye blindness is not considered to be caused by VA care or treatment, and the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 has been denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher SMC under Section 1114(o) was denied as he did not meet the criteria for any of the rates provided in Sections 1114(l), (m), (n), or (o). The Board found that his service-connected disabilities have not resulted in anatomical loss or use of both arms, hands, legs, feet, or eyes, nor has he been permanently bedridden or helpless as to need regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye blindness is the result of careless or negligent surgical treatment furnished to him at a VA Medical Center, and thus grants his claim for disability compensation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the appellant's right eye blindness, resulting from VA medical treatment in December 2003, meets the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.
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