The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral diabetic retinopathy with cataracts was denied, and his claim for a TDIU due to this condition was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating or a TDIU based on the service-connected disability alone.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's visual acuity issues were attributed to CMV retinitis rather than cataract surgery, and the criteria for higher ratings under VA regulations were not met.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic retinopathy with cataracts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2018
- Citation
- 1810216
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 1810216.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 11, 2013.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and TIA residuals due to new evidence showing worsening of his conditions. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it raises a question of whether the Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of personal assistance from others, and the Board has determined that he qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral eye diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, open angle glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome was granted effective April 8, 2011.
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