The Board found that the Veteran's right eye disorders, including congenital cataract, sensory exotropia, nystagmus, posterior vitreous detachment, amblyopia, microphthalmia, and right large angle strabismus, did not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not related to active service.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's right eye disorders were congenital in nature and thus preexisted service. The evidence did not show any aggravation of these conditions during service or a superimposed disease/injury resulting in additional disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Congenital cataract, Sensory exotropia, Nystagmus, Posterior vitreous detachment, Amblyopia, Microphthalmia, Right large angle strabismus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 8, 2018
- Citation
- 1800886
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 1800886.
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 right eye visual field loss is due to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinion, as the Veteran's current right eye vision disability is presumed to be related to his service. The examiner will need to determine if the disabilities are related to his in-service evaluation for ocular motility.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient clarification of the Veteran's left eye visual acuity measurements and the need for additional opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including as due to exposure to herbicide and chemical agents. The case is being returned for further development.
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