The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral epiphora was denied. The Board found that the current rating of 20 percent is already at the maximum schedular level and there is no evidence of loss of visual acuity or field of vision.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right eye condition, diagnosed as epiphora, warrants a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 6025 due to bilateral interference with the lacrymal ducts. However, his visual acuity and field of vision were not demonstrated to be worse than 20/40 in either eye.
- Claimed conditions
- epiphora
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 12, 2009
- Citation
- 0943150
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0943150.
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 has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability, including conjunctivitis and other diagnosed conditions such as refractive amblyopia, Meibomian gland dysfunction, cataracts, epiphora, left myopic macular degeneration, and pinguecula. The AOJ is instructed to obtain etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's diagnosed eye disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for conjunctivitis, bilateral watering eyes (epiphora), and their relationship to service-connected rhinitis and/or pinguecula.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eye disabilities are remanded for a new VA medical opinion to determine if they are related to her active service, including the 1987 personal assault.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete compliance with previous requests for additional development. The Veteran's left eye disability is being reviewed again as there was not a thorough opinion on its etiology.
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.