The Veteran's optic neuropathy was manifested by corrected distance central visual acuity that, at its worst, was 20/100 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. The criteria for an evaluation greater than 10 percent were not met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's optic neuropathy did not result in vision worse than 20/100 in one eye or 20/200 in both eyes, which are required to warrant a rating higher than 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Optic neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2017
- Citation
- 1712766
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1712766.
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 Board has determined that the Veteran's vision loss disability, diagnosed as optic neuropathy, was incurred during service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's optic neuropathy with bilateral central scotomas is granted a 20 percent rating. The Veteran is also granted Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral cataracts and optic neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service or service-connected condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected optic neuropathy needs to be re-evaluated due to conflicting findings from previous examinations. A new examination is required to determine the current severity of his condition.
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