The Board finds that the Veteran's retinal scars and macular degeneration are related to in-service arc welding, thus granting service connection for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The December 2013 VA examiner opined that the Veteran's retinal scars are at least as likely as not caused by his in-service arc welding exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- retinal scars, macular degeneration
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 30, 2016
- Citation
- 1639892
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 1639892.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the claim for service connection for macular degeneration due to a finding of clear and unmistakable error in the AOJ's decision, as no new and relevant evidence was presented or secured with the supplemental claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for seizure disorder and macular degeneration due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ must obtain a TERA Memorandum and medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran was exposed to chemicals or solvents while stationed at Fort McClellan during his service, and if so, whether these exposures are related to his claimed conditions.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection and ratings related to various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, foot fungus, macular degeneration, and sleep apnea has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
Service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus is granted. Service connection for macular degeneration is remanded due to lack of a VA examination addressing the issue.
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