The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral eye disability, scars on the left foot and right elbow were all denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of irregular, duplicated, enlarged or diminished images in the eyes, nor any incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners did not find any compensable symptoms or diagnoses to warrant any higher or additional ratings for the service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral ocular histoplasmosis and macular degeneration, scar at the bottom of the left foot, status post-bunionectomy, scar at the dorsal aspect of the left foot at the first MTP joint, status post-bunionectomy, scar on the right foot, status post-osteotomy, scar on the right elbow, status post-right ulnar nerve transposition surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19147689
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral eye disability, scars on the left foot and right elbow were all denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of irregular, duplicated, enlarged or diminished images in the eyes, nor any incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded for an additional VA examination to determine the nature and extent of any disability associated with the service-connected right foot scar disorder and the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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