The Veteran's service-connected right eye disorder was not shown to warrant a compensable rating prior to December 10, 2008. On and after that date, the evidence does not demonstrate visual acuity of 20/50 or worse in one eye with 20/40 or better vision in the other eye, which would be required for a compensable evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right eye disorder was primarily manifested by refractive error, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any of the relevant diagnostic codes prior to December 10, 2008. On and after that date, the evidence did not show visual acuity of 20/50 or worse in one eye with 20/40 or better vision in the other eye.
- Claimed conditions
- Refractive Error
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 12, 2012
- Citation
- 1220558
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 1220558.
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 Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right eye disorder (refractive error) due to unclear records and a need for addendum opinions regarding the onset of visual field defect.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim was denied due to his refractive issues, but he testified about eye irritation and sensitivity. The Board ordered a remand for further examination and evidence collection.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran does not have a current vision or eye disability other than a refractive error of the eye, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the nature of his psychiatric and eye conditions, including whether he was exposed to gas chambers during service.
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