The Veteran's initial compensable rating for retinal detachment, with cataract, of the right eye prior to July 30, 2012, and a higher than 10 percent rating from that date have been denied.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or visual impairment between 20/200 and 15/200 in the right eye to warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Retinal Detachment, Cataract
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2015
- Citation
- 1503659
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1503659.
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 Veteran's loss of use of the left eye, resulting in blindness with only light perception, is due to his service-connected bilateral glaucoma. The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance for this condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye visual field loss is due to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and effective date prior to May 23, 2013 was denied as the evidence did not show that his bilateral eye condition manifested symptoms more closely approximating those required for a higher evaluation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right eye disability, characterized by visual acuity no worse than 20/200 and visual field deficits no worse than 20/70, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on the current manifestations of his condition.
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.