The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vision disorder other than diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and pseudophakia, to include blepharitis and dry eyes was denied. The Board also found that the criteria for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy with bilateral cataracts, pseudophakia, and left eye glaucoma prior to September 7, 2016 were not met.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's blepharitis or dry eyes began during service or was related to an in-service injury or disease. The VA examiner opined that these conditions were not at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease; or his service-connected diabetes.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, pseudophakia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20059755
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 20059755.
What this means for you
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to the AOJ's failure to address whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the program. The Board finds that the Veteran has been in need of personal care services for at least six continuous months based on an inability to perform the ADL of bathing.
- Denied
The Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss claims are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,The Veteran's high cholesterol, dementia, stroke, prostate cancer, cataracts, diabetes, hypertension, CHF, and myocardial infarction claims are denied due to lack of service connection evidence or insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the disabilities and active duty service.,The Veteran was exposed to toxins during his military service but there is no evidence linking these exposures to any of the claimed conditions.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection of cataracts has been dismissed due to the appellant's death prior to a Board decision.
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