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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1816339.
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 has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
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.
- 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.
- 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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