The veteran's service records show he was treated for a shrapnel wound to his left eye during active service. The current medical evidence indicates the presence of a mild old scar in the retina of his left eye, which is considered a disability incurred due to active service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran had a history of treatment for a foreign body in his left eye during service and that he currently has a mild old scar in the retina of his left eye. The evidence did not suggest any other source for this condition, leading to the conclusion that it was incurred due to active service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of an injury to the left eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2002
- Citation
- 0217957
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 0217957.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure due process is met, including consideration of new evidence and a VA eye examination. The Veteran's service-connected left eye disability may be related to other disabilities that could affect his ability to work.
- Denied
The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Joseph's Medical Center from May 2, 2004, through May 4, 2004 is denied as there was no indication of a medical emergency that would have necessitated immediate treatment.
- Denied
The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination. The veteran's claim is related to service connection for residuals of a left eye injury.
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.