The Board found that the Veteran's current eye disability, including macular degeneration, was not caused by or aggravated by his military service, specifically due to sunlight exposure. The VA examiner provided multiple opinions concluding that there is insufficient evidence to support a link between the Veteran's in-service sun exposure and his current condition.
The deciding factor: The medical opinion concluded that while sunlight exposure may be a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it was not shown to have caused or aggravated the Veteran's specific case of AMD.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral eye disability (macular degeneration)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2014
- Citation
- 1401044
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 1401044.
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).
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