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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21005218.
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: Dismissed
Your appeals for service connection and disability evaluations have been dismissed due to the failure to file a timely substantive appeal.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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.