The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) and remanded the issue of service connection for other eye disabilities. The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is pathologically related to impairment of the lacrimal apparatus, warranting a 20 percent rating under DC 6025. Other issues are also being remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there were no additional symptoms or functional effects warranting separate ratings and granted an initial 20 percent rating for the entire appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Dry Eye Syndrome (Chronic Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca), Presbyopia, Myopia, Astigmatism, Arcus Senilis, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Cataracts, Pinguecula, Recurrent Subconjunctival Hemorrhages (bilateral)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18147649
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 18147649.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's primary open angle glaucoma with cataracts, as well as a determination of whether he has a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA compensation purposes. The case is being remanded to allow for these determinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current eye disabilities are related to service or preexisted with no superimposed injury during service. The VA must obtain a supplemental opinion from an appropriately qualified examiner.
- Granted
The Veteran's cataracts are rated at a 10 percent rating, and he is granted a separate 20 percent rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. The decision also notes that the Veteran has not had any incapacitating episodes in the past year.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining SSA records beyond medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess syncope associated with DM and hypertension.
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