The Board found that the veteran's loss of vision in his left eye was not due to VA medical treatment, as there is no evidence of negligence or carelessness on the part of VA. The veteran underwent cataract surgery and subsequent retinal detachment surgeries but did not incur additional disability beyond what could reasonably be expected from such procedures.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that any further deterioration in the veteran's left eye was due to the 1991 cataract surgery, which was a foreseeable complication of the procedure.
- Claimed conditions
- cataract, cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2002
- Citation
- 0211747
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 0211747.
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 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and an earlier effective date for service connection of schizoaffective disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for open angle glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any in-service toxic exposure.
- Granted
The Board has granted SMC based on loss of use due to blindness in the left eye caused by service-connected glaucoma. The Veteran's vision is limited to only light perception.
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.