The Veteran's Sjogren's disease with dry mouth and eyes throughout the appeal period has been manifested by a bilateral disorder of the lacrimal apparatus, leading to dry eyes. The criteria for an initial 20 percent rating have been met.
The deciding factor: The February 2016 VA examination indicated that the Veteran had an associated lacrimal gland disorder and aqueous deficiency without evidence of epiphora, as well as subjective complaints of dryness with episodes of severe right eye pain. These complaints were at least as likely as not related to Sjogren's disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Sjogren's disease, dry mouth, dysphagia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 27, 2016
- Citation
- 1621485
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 1621485.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any necessary records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hiatal hernia with gastritis and dysphagia, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a duty to assist error. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder claim will be reconsidered with the inclusion of all relevant private medical records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysphagia, and mild esophageal dysmotility. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.
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