The Board has granted service connection for retinitis pigmentosa, finding that the condition first manifested during service and is related to the Veteran's detached retina of the right eye. The initial compensable rating for the bilateral eye disabilities remains denied.
The deciding factor: The August 2008 VA examiner provided an opinion linking the retinitis pigmentosa to service as it first manifested in service when causing a fall that resulted in injuries, including the detached retina and torn retina of the eyes. The May 2016 VA examination report did not provide an opinion on whether the disability was aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- Detached retina of the right eye, Torn retina of the left eye, Retinitis pigmentosa
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- September 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1737621
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 1737621.
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 denied the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for retinitis pigmentosa and for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran's detached retina of the right eye is not caused by VA treatment, and therefore denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appellant's claim to reopen his arteriosclerosis with claudication claim as it was granted in a December 2011 rating decision. The right eye disability claim remains, but the Board finds that there is no longer any issue regarding service connection for this condition due to the grant of service connection for arteriosclerosis with claudication.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for retinitis pigmentosa as there was no evidence of the condition manifesting during or being aggravated by active military service.
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