The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates for separate ratings of radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), was denied. The Veteran's right eye condition is currently rated at 30%.,VA determined that there were no incapacitating episodes or other medical evidence supporting a higher rating for the Veteran's right eye maculopathy, metamorphopsia, and retinal detachment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating based on either incapacitating episodes or visual impairment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy, right eye maculopathy, metamorphopsia, and retinal detachment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20020335
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20020335.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of both lower extremities is being remanded due to a failure to obtain relevant private medical records. The AOJ will consider these records when readjudicating the claim.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for neurological impairment of the right and left lower extremities, variously diagnosed as neuropathy and radiculopathy, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy, right lower extremity is granted as August 24, 2012.
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