The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) as it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.
The deciding factor: A VA examiner concluded that the high-normal interocular pressure measurements from 1988 were a contributing factor to the Veteran’s current bilateral NAION, and this finding established a nexus between the condition and service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), bilateral pseudophakia, bilateral optic nerve pallor, bilateral open angle glaucoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20079516
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 20079516.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all appeals regarding his service-connected conditions and related disability ratings, effective as of March 16, 2026.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for service-connected right eye retinal vein occlusion with bilateral open angle glaucoma and pseudophakia is being remanded due to an error by the AOJ in not providing notice of his right to a hearing before the AOJ.
- Granted
Effective August 26, 2023, the Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation at the rate intermediate between 38 U.S.C. 1114(m) and 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) (M12) is granted, subject to law and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits. Additionally, a 30 percent rating for service-connected migraines is granted effective August 26, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and bilateral eye disability due to a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the April 2025 rating decision. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's conditions are related to his toxic exposure through TERA.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.