The Veteran's right eye blindness is rated at 30 percent, the highest possible rating under VA regulations. The Board found that anatomical loss of the eye was not present and thus denied a higher disability rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right eye has light perception only and no anatomical loss, precluding any increase in his current 30% disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right eye blindness
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19179945
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 80 percent for bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma, severe stage, unspecified pterygium, and right eye blindness, and a 60 percent rating for GERD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right eye blindness is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether VA carelessness or negligence caused his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's disabilities, including right eye blindness, were not shown to be so disabling as to require regular aid and attendance or permanent housebound status prior to March 27, 2018. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support his claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.