The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral open angle glaucoma with dry eyes as the evidence did not show visual impairment or incapacitating episodes to warrant a higher disability rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found no visual impairment or incapacitating episodes due to the Veteran's service-connected glaucoma and dry eye conditions, which are unrelated to his other eye disabilities such as cataracts and pinguecula.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Open Angle Glaucoma, Dry Eyes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20059823
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 20059823.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and additional special monthly compensation, and remanded several service connection and increased rating claims.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss was dismissed.,An increased 70 percent disability rating for PTSD from December 10, 2014 is granted. The Veteran also received a grant of service connection for dry eyes.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral open angle glaucoma and cataracts was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, and that there were no documented incapacitating episodes warranting increased ratings for his eye conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 17, 2010. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his PTSD.
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