The Board denied service connection for retinitis pigmentosa as there was no evidence of the condition manifesting during or being aggravated by active military service.
The deciding factor: There is no clear and unmistakable evidence that RP preexisted service, nor any evidence showing an increase in disability due to service. The veteran's best corrected visual acuity improved from his preinduction results to his separation examination results, and there was no competent medical evidence relating the current condition to active duty.
- Claimed conditions
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2009
- Citation
- 0902992
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 the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for retinitis pigmentosa and for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Granted
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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