The veteran's service-connected bilateral keratoconus, status-post corneal transplant of the left eye was initially rated noncompensable from May 1, 2004 to June 13, 2007 and then rated 10 percent from June 14, 2007. The veteran's appeal is for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's visual acuity improved with the initial noncompensable rating but did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation (vision in both eyes correctable to 20/50) or a higher rating (vision in one eye correctable to 20/70 and vision in the other eye correctable to 20/40).
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Keratoconus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2008
- Citation
- 0803016
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 0803016.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 increased rating for his service-connected bilateral keratoconus was denied as the evidence did not show that he met or more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating during the one-year period prior to July 2, 2018.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for bilateral keratoconus from May 13, 2018, and granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for painful scars associated with the condition. The Veteran's keratoconus is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 13, 2018.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral keratoconus, claimed as loss of vision, has been granted. He is also eligible for special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's eye disability, which was previously rated at 30 percent, has been restored to a 30 percent rating effective March 1, 2015. The Board found that the reduction in rating from 30 percent to non-compensable (zero percent) was improper and not supported by evidence of improvement.
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.