The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left dry eye syndrome, Dupuytren disease of the right hand with deformed fourth digit, left hand ganglion cyst, and arthritis of the right great toe. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions were rated based on their direct service connection without involving any presumptive exposure or secondary theories. His ratings remained at 0% as his symptoms did not warrant higher evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- right dry eye syndrome, left dry eye syndrome, Dupuytren disease of the right hand with deformed fourth digit, left hand ganglion cyst, arthritis of the right great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2012
- Citation
- 1209357
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1209357.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left dry eye syndrome, as well as glaucoma in both eyes, are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran reported that his VA examination was cancelled because the examiner tested positive for COVID-19.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, dry eye syndrome, low back disability, right hand disabilities, and right knee disability. The tinnitus claim was remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's left dry eye syndrome is remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding its relationship to service, including exposure to burn pits in Southwest Asia.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims due to errors in obtaining necessary evidence and for further development.
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