The Veteran's left eye scar is granted service connection, while his cataracts are denied.,The Veteran's cervical spine DJD and radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings up to a maximum of 70 percent from December 14, 2010 to April 2, 2014. The right upper extremity radiculopathy has not met the criteria for an initial compensable rating prior to January 17, 2015 and greater than 50 percent after that date.,The Veteran's PTSD is granted a maximum of 70 percent from December 14, 2010 to April 2, 2014. The Veteran was found not disabled for TDIU prior to September 25, 2012 and granted TDIU from that date until April 2, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left eye scar is service-connected as it resulted from an assault in service. The cataracts are not service-connected as they are age-related and do not have a traumatic origin.,The cervical spine DJD and radiculopathy were granted increased ratings based on the severity of symptoms, including functional loss due to pain. The right upper extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher because it did not meet criteria for an initial compensable rating prior to January 17, 2015 and greater than 50 percent after that date.,The Veteran's PTSD is granted a maximum of 70 percent from December 14, 2010 to April 2, 2014. The Veteran was found not disabled for TDIU prior to September 25, 2012 and granted TDIU from that date until April 2, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Eye Scar, Left Eye Cataracts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- August 31, 2018
- Citation
- 18131188
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 18131188.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left eye scar from February 28, 2012. The appeal is denied for ratings in excess of 10 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his left knee, left ankle, and right shoulder disabilities. Additionally, a medical opinion is needed regarding the impact of all service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to obtain and maintain employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 8, 2014.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's left eye scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, as it is one inch in length and well-healed without associated tissue loss or disfigurement.
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