The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral cataracts, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are found to be sufficient to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including multiple conditions affecting his vision, mobility, and cognitive function, were found to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining employment.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral cataracts, digital neuropathy (right lower extremity), digital neuropathy (left lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19142481
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for eye conditions, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction and left eye retinopathy. However, it denied increased ratings for multiple peripheral neuropathies, hypertension, and status post tympanoplasty.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral cataracts, dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and atrial fibrillation as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by an in-service event.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including a bilateral eye disability and cardiovascular conditions, based on the Veteran's in-service occupational exposures.
- Partly granted
The Board readjudicated the claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis based on new and relevant evidence, while denying service connection for bilateral pes planus. Other claims were remanded.
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.