The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings or service connection for any of the claimed conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show sufficient visual acuity impairment to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent for macular hole of the right eye, nor did it show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more to warrant a higher rating for hypertension. The Veteran's left eye disability was not incurred during service and is not related to his service-connected right eye disability. Right hand and shoulder disabilities were not incurred during service, nor did they manifest within one year of discharge from service. Sleep apnea was not incurred during service. Diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes) was not incurred during service.
- Claimed conditions
- macular hole of the right eye, hypertension, left eye disability (microaneurysm), right hand disability (stiffness), left shoulder disability (impingement), sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes), left ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2018
- Citation
- 1816339
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 1816339.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
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The Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include any mental health disorder raised by the record and has remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left leg, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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