The Board denied service connection for Stargardt's disease as the evidence did not show that it was aggravated by military service and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of its preexistence.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence clearly showed that Stargardt's disease existed prior to service and had a genetic basis, with no indication of worsening during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Stargardt's disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 29, 2018
- Citation
- 18129964
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 18129964.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA opinion in connection with the Veteran's claim for service connection for Stargardt's disease is inadequate and requires further development. The matter is being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion addressing whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition pre-existed service, if so, whether it was aggravated by service, and whether it is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for Stargardt's disease to obtain a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension has aggravated his condition and whether his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam may have aggravated his hereditary Stargardt's disease.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including Stargardt's disease and anxiety disorder with depressive disorder. The SMC rate is set at 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral eye condition and its relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for macular degeneration or blindness, but the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information on whether his condition preexisted service or was aggravated by a superimposed injury during service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.