The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected macular scar, right eye, atrophic, residuals of injury was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to October 5, 2018 and a rating in excess of 90 percent as of that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right eye disability only warranted a combined rating of 30% due to anatomical loss not being present. The evidence did not show either visual acuity or field vision meeting the criteria for higher ratings under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- macular scar, right eye, atrophic, residuals of injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- June 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19149443
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 case due to uncertainty regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome on his other eye conditions, including cataracts, macular scar, pinguecula, arcus senilis, and glaucoma. The case will be returned for further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's left eye disorders, including cortical senile cataracts, macular scar, hyperopia, and astigmatism, were not incurred in service. The Board found no link between the current eye conditions and his service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claim. The evidence considered did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new eye examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right eye blindness due to trauma with central scotoma. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.
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