The Board denied service connection for decreased visual acuity, diabetic retinopathy, as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for a back disorder and a neck disorder, both secondary to service-connected right ankle and foot disability, and an increased evaluation for intertrigo of the groin and scrotum.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's eye conditions were not found to be related to his diabetes. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of aggravation or causation between the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities and his current disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Decreased visual acuity, Diabetic retinopathy, Back disorder (lumbar spine degenerative joint disease), Neck disorder (cervical paravertebral myositis and degenerative joint disease)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18141644
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 18141644.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I and related conditions due to a need for additional development of the record.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, kidney condition, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions due to insufficient evidence of in-service herbicide exposure.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for DMII, diabetic retinopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension but granted an effective date of March 17, 2022, for the award of service connection for migraine headaches and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
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