Service connection for dry eyes is granted. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder is granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent effective June 1, 2008. A compensable evaluation for the period on appeal through July 5, 2009, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the period on appeal beginning July 6, 2009, for service-connected right foot heel spur and Achilles enthesopathy with right ankle musculoligamentous strain is granted. A higher evaluation for a psychiatric disorder remains.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran regarding his dry eyes condition.
- Claimed conditions
- dry eyes, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with dysphoric mood, right foot heel spur and Achilles enthesopathy with right ankle musculoligamentous strain
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 17, 2013
- Citation
- 1302006
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 1302006.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 found that remand is needed for the Veteran's claims due to duty to assist errors, including clarification of periods of service and obtaining relevant records. The Veteran will be afforded new medical examinations for each claimed disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's dry eyes are related to service. The claim will be reviewed again with additional evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to obtain an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability is related to service exposure to burn pits. The AOJ should obtain such an opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's dry eyes and his service, particularly his exposure to toxins during service in the Persian Gulf.
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