The Veteran's service-connected diabetic retinopathy has been rated at 20 percent since August 8, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating based on his visual acuity and visual field impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's visual acuity was 20/40 or better throughout most of the appeals period, warranting a noncompensable evaluation under DC 6079. However, from December 19, 2007 to February 22, 2008 and from March 7, 2008 to May 23, 2008, his visual acuity was 20/50 or worse in one eye, warranting a separate 10 percent evaluation under DC 6079. From September 2, 2009 to September 30, 2009, his visual acuity improved to 20/200 and 20/30, respectively, in both eyes, warranting a separate 20 percent evaluation under DC 6077.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 27, 2013
- Citation
- 1339214
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 1339214.
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
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