The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for Horner's syndrome, finding that the veteran's symptoms are characterized by slight ptosis and right eye irritation, which reflect no more than moderate incomplete paralysis.
The deciding factor: The veteran's Horner's syndrome is evaluated as incomplete, moderate paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve, with manifestations including slight ptosis and anhydrosis. The Board found these symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Horner's syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2008
- Citation
- 0819986
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 0819986.
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 claim for a compensable rating for Horner's syndrome with ptosis, left side is denied as the evidence does not support impairment of visual acuity or disfigurement due to his service-connected condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's death was not due to service or a service-connected disability. The appellant is receiving the maximum DIC benefits and no additional compensation under PACT Act for Agent Orange exposure is warranted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed disabilities as they were incurred during a period of dishonorable discharge.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected Horner's syndrome is manifested by visual acuity of 20/20 or better in the left eye with no disfigurement. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for this condition.
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.