The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and residuals of a retinal detachment of the left eye, to include residuals of laser surgery, were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent, and his left eye disorder was manifested by a visually insignificant retinal scar with best correctable visual acuity within normal limits.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, Residuals of a retinal detachment of the left eye, to include residuals of laser surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2009
- Citation
- 0910491
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a retrospective medical opinion to assess the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and bilateral hip disabilities to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 for diabetes mellitus, Type 2 with bilateral lower extremity neuropathy secondary to medications taken for high cholesterol was denied due to the lack of new and relevant evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, plantar fasciitis with degenerative joint disease in both feet, and hypertension.
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