The Veteran's bilateral keratoconus has been rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2004. The Board found that the visual acuity remained normal with contact lenses and did not warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence showed normal visual acuity corrected to 20/40 or better with contact lenses, which is within the scope of the current 30 percent rating under DC 6035.
- Claimed conditions
- keratoconus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20035968
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 20035968.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial compensable disability rating for keratoconus and the initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for migraine headaches.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety was denied as the evidence did not support a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for depression was denied because his symptoms were consistent with those already covered by his existing service-connected disability.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for keratoconus, depression, and sleep apnea have been readjudicated. The claim of service connection for keratoconus is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and sleep apnea are remanded to the AOJ for further review.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's keratoconus is granted service connection due to in-service exposure to sand and dust. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is remanded for further review.
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