The Board has determined that service connection is not established for any of the claimed disabilities, including a low back disability, disorders of the bilateral eyes, major depression, and disabilities of the bilateral wrists and hands.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence showing that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, including left L5-S1 radiculopathy, Disorders of bilateral eyes (including glaucoma, diplopia, blepharitis, pseudophakia, and any residuals of cataracts), Major depression, Disabilities of bilateral wrists and hands (including degenerative arthritis and tendonitis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2014
- Citation
- 1446250
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 1446250.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, finding that it is related to events of service. The evidence received since the prior denial supports this determination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with a new medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher disability rating, and TDIU have all been denied. The Board found that the current effective date is appropriate and that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for major depression and anxiety disorder with insomnia is denied. The appeal for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is dismissed as moot. The service connection claim for a neck disability is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
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.