The Veteran's left optic nerve atrophy with limited vision is rated as 30 percent disabling. For the period prior to October 24, 2006, his TBI was rated as 10 percent disabling. Since October 24, 2006, a higher rating for TBI has not been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left optic nerve atrophy with limited vision resulted in visual acuity of 20/100 in the affected eye, which does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6066. For his TBI prior to October 24, 2006, he presented purely subjective complaints without evidence of a neurological disability such as hemiplegia or facial nerve paralysis. From October 24, 2006 onwards, the Veteran's TBI was manifested by purely subjective symptoms and did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8045.
- Claimed conditions
- Left optic nerve atrophy with limited vision, Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 30, 2019
- Citation
- 19196745
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19196745.
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 Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a right shoulder disorder as there was no probative evidence of current disabilities as defined by VA.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 5, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD and denied earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, migraines, and other conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for right wrist strain, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TBI, and dismissed the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic disability manifested by dizziness, and other claimed disabilities as there was no evidence of current diagnoses or nexus to service.
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.