The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, finding that there is no probative and competent medical evidence linking his current eye disorders to his military service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus.
The deciding factor: There is no probative and competent medical evidence of record to indicate that the Veteran’s service-connected diabetes mellitus plays any role in the development of his current eye disorders, nor does there exist a nexus between his service-connected disability and his diagnosed eye disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic retinopathy, retinal dystrophy, fundus flavimaculatus, cataracts, pterygium, diplopia, vitreous floaters
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005769
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 denied an effective date prior to April 11, 2013, for the award of service connection for diabetic retinopathy and grade 2+ anterior vacuoles due to a lack of evidence indicating an intent to apply for benefits or communication related to these conditions before that date.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 40 percent disability rating for bilateral eye disabilities but denied ratings for abdominal scars, hypertension, and remanded claims related to thrombosis and arthritis.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cataracts, finding that there was no medical evidence linking the condition to his active service or a service-connected disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded to ensure that the appellant receives every possible consideration, including a new VA examination.
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