The Board reversed the denial of service connection for Leber's optic atrophy due to clear and unmistakable error, finding that it was a congenital condition but should have been treated as a disease. The effective date is set from the day following separation from service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s Leber's optic atrophy should be considered a disease rather than a congenital defect due to its progressive nature and symptoms, leading to a grant of service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Leber’s optic atrophy
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18156889
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 18156889.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Dismissed
The Board found its previous decision denying service connection for Leber’s optic atrophy to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus granting the claim. As a result, there are no remaining issues for the Board to decide.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
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