The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for epiretinal membrane, vitreous degeneration, and cataract, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the diagnosed eye disabilities were more likely due to aging changes rather than in-service trauma or injury.
- Claimed conditions
- epiretinal membrane, vitreous degeneration, cataract
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 27, 2016
- Citation
- 1625647
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 1625647.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for fatigue was dismissed. His headaches, IBS, GERD, allergic rhinitis, sinus, and sleep apnea were all granted. The left knee disability and cataract claims are still pending.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected eye disability, including cataract with meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye syndrome, is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board finds that relevant VA treatment records from VistA Imaging are missing.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral diabetic retinopathy with bilateral pseudophakia and epiretinal membrane is rated at 20 percent effective September 10, 2021. The appeal for a separate rating prior to this date and service connection for pancreatitis are remanded.
- Denied
The appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for open angle glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataract (eye disability) was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were caused by VA's carelessness or negligence.
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