The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left eye disability was denied as the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the absence of a right eye disability that would require a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The veteran's left eye disability is rated at 30 percent, which is considered appropriate given his ability to detect near and far hand movement and have good light perception. The absence of a service-connected right eye disability prevents him from qualifying for a higher rating based on combined vision loss criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- macular degeneration
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 24, 2006
- Citation
- 0608518
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.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for macular degeneration and sleep apnea.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for macular degeneration and prostate cancer to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error related to toxic exposure risk activity.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of a bilateral eye condition other than dry eye syndrome to ensure compliance with previous directives, including obtaining an addendum opinion that addresses the likely etiology of the claimed conditions.
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.