The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's Salzmann's nodular corneal dystrophy with associated lagophthalmos, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating based on visual impairment or incapacitating episodes. The maximum rating under DC 6022 was already assigned.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence of decreased visual acuity or other visual impairment and no incapacitating episodes due to the eye disability, which precluded a higher rating under DC 6001 based on either criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Salzmann's nodular corneal dystrophy, corneal ulcers
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 29, 2021
- Citation
- 21005218
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 21005218.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
Your appeals for service connection and disability evaluations have been dismissed due to the failure to file a timely substantive appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for corneal ulcers, bilateral foot disability, bilateral CTS, cervical spine disability, and right knee disability are not granted due to lack of current diagnoses. The cases have been remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Chronic sinusitis, corneal scars, IBS, and hemorrhoids are found to be related to her active service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his bilateral corneal ulcers with Salzmann’s nodular corneal dystrophy is denied, but he is granted a 20 percent rating for lagophthalmos associated with these conditions.
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