The Veteran's left eye optic nerve drusen with visual field defects and right eye corneal scar are not service-connected, as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury. The Veteran was denied both his claim for service connection and his request for an initial compensable evaluation for his right eye condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no credible evidence linking the current left eye optic nerve drusen with visual field defects to a mortar powder exposure during active service, and concluded that the Veteran's current vision difficulties are more likely due to known pre-existing conditions rather than an in-service injury. The right eye corneal scar was not shown to cause any significant impairment of visual acuity or muscle function.
- Claimed conditions
- Optic nerve drusen with visual field defects, Corneal scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- August 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20052542
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20052542.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residual corneal scar of the right eye was denied, while his claim for a separate initial 10 percent disability rating for right eye corneal scar was granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of discoloration of the face was granted. The appeal for a compensable evaluation for left eye corneal scar is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating and entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected corneal scar of the right eye. The RO increased the rating to 20% effective March 8, 2001.
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