The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for gout prior to August 14, 2019 was denied. The issues of service connection for glaucoma and cataracts are remanded, as is the issue of an increased rating for dry eyes with meibomianitis and light sensitivity.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show incapacitating exacerbations or definite impairment of health during the period prior to August 14, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- gout, glaucoma, cataracts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20008311
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 evaluation of 20 percent for left and right ankle strains, denied a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, and remanded claims for hypertension and gout.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for glaucoma and macular degeneration, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 for various disabilities due to treatment at a VAMC in April 2007, finding no evidence of additional disability caused by carelessness or negligence on VA's part.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes, sleep apnea, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, residuals of gallbladder removal, gout and low back disability, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 20, 2023, due to inadequate medical opinions.
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.