The Veteran's right eye diabetic retinopathy was manifested by objective findings of corrected distance vision of 20/50 or better since February 6, 2012. Prior to this date, the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's visual acuity in his right eye met the criteria for a 10% disability rating under DCs 6061-66 since February 6, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- right eye diabetic retinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 28, 2014
- Citation
- 1447845
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 1447845.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eye conditions, including left eye proliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema, right eye diabetic retinopathy, and bilateral cataracts, are being remanded for further clarification of the pathologic process responsible for his visual impairment. The VA will also need to determine if the Veteran has experienced incapacitating episodes related to these conditions.
- Granted
Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease. Service connection is also granted for chronic kidney disease, right eye diabetic retinopathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection is granted for congestive heart failure as secondary to coronary artery disease. The case is remanded for additional opinions on toxic optic neuropathy with altitudinal visual field defect and a heart disorder other than coronary artery disease.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right eye disability (diabetic retinopathy and cataracts) and cervical spine disability. The decision on right eye disability is based on the evidence not showing a direct link to service, while the cervical spine issue was found in favor of the Veteran due to reasonable doubt.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's left eye diabetic retinopathy is granted. The Board finds that an additional remand is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral eye disability, including right eye diabetic retinopathy and other eye disabilities.
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.