The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral eye disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa and cataracts, had their onset during service or are otherwise related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for further medical evaluation to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005792
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of January 3, 2001, for service connection for retinitis pigmentosa based on the re-evaluation of previously unassociated service treatment records.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a left eye disorder, including amblyopia and other conditions, as there was no evidence of aggravation beyond their natural progression during the Veteran's periods of active duty.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.