The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for defective vision in the right eye was denied as new and material evidence had not been received. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his chronic lumbosacral strain was also denied.
The deciding factor: New and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for defective vision in the right eye, and the criteria for a higher rating were not met for the Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain.
- Claimed conditions
- Defective vision in the right eye, Chronic lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 23, 2014
- Citation
- 1423616
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 1423616.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.
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