The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a corneal abrasion is denied as there are no current residuals related to the in-service injury.,The Veteran's initial rating for dry eye syndrome remains at 20 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6025.,The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right knee disabilities remain at 10 percent each. The AOJ has rated them under Diagnostic Code 5010 (traumatic arthritis), but they are evaluated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes.,Special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted since June 1, 2014.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has any current residuals related to the in-service corneal abrasion. The May 2017 VA examiner concluded there are no current residuals as confirmed by slit lamp examination and sodium fluorescein dye.,There is no other applicable diagnostic code in the rating schedule for diseases of the eye that would result in a higher rating for dry eye syndrome. The Veteran's disability is rated under Diagnostic Code 6025, which authorizes a higher schedular rating than Diagnostic Code 6018.,The functional impairment resulting from the bilateral knee disabilities was assessed during previous examinations and did not show additional range of motion loss due to pain, weakened movement, excess fatigability, incoordination, or flare-ups. The AOJ scheduled a new examination for full range of motion testing but the Veteran declined it.,Special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted since June 1, 2014, based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and additional service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Bilateral corneal abrasion"}, {"condition_name":"Dry eye syndrome"}, {"condition_name":"Left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative joint disease"}, {"condition_name":"Right knee degenerative joint disease"}, {"condition_name":"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19103063
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
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