The Veteran's service-connected diabetic retinopathy has not resulted in a disability evaluation higher than 20 percent prior to August 25, 2010.
The deciding factor: Visual field measurements did not meet the criteria for an increased rating based on decreased visual acuity or impairment of central visual acuity.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2014
- Citation
- 1401031
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 1401031.
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 granted an earlier effective date of December 12, 2017 for the award of service connection for dry eye syndrome. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for dry eye syndrome is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 100 percent effective April 13, 2023.,The Veteran's other trauma and stressor related disorder is rated at 70 percent effective April 13, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and neurogenic bladder condition, require regular aid and attendance. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted. As the issue of housebound status is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance, special monthly compensation based on housebound status is dismissed.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 21, 2023, for his grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision found that no evidence or claims related to PTSD could be construed as raising a TDIU claim prior to this date.
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.