The Veteran's eye disability, which was previously rated at 30 percent, has been restored to a 30 percent rating effective March 1, 2015. The Board found that the reduction in rating from 30 percent to non-compensable (zero percent) was improper and not supported by evidence of improvement.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show actual improvement in the Veteran's eye disability, despite his complaints about glare and driving issues.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Keratoconus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18158008
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 18158008.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral keratoconus was denied as the evidence did not show that he met or more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating during the one-year period prior to July 2, 2018.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for bilateral keratoconus from May 13, 2018, and granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for painful scars associated with the condition. The Veteran's keratoconus is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 13, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral keratoconus, claimed as loss of vision, has been granted. He is also eligible for special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD and sleep disturbance are granted service connection. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD is denied, as the evidence does not support a separate diagnosis of adjustment disorder or anxiety disorder. The issue of service connection for bilateral keratoconus is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.
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.