The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities is dismissed as moot. The remaining issues of entitlement to initial compensable disability ratings for photophobia and post-traumatic headaches are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was recently awarded a 70% disability rating for PTSD, which clearly interferes with his employability, making the claim for multiple noncompensable disabilities moot.
- Claimed conditions
- photophobia, post-traumatic headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2021
- Citation
- 21066286
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 21066286.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, seizure disorder, photophobia, and headaches are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to obtain an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability is related to service exposure to burn pits. The AOJ should obtain such an opinion.
- Granted
Service connection is granted for dry eye syndrome, photophobia, and right knee PFPS. Service connection for right shoulder strain and left shoulder strain is remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's head injuries and post-traumatic headaches following an October 2023 VA shuttle bus incident are not compensable under 38 U.S.C. §1151 because the injuries occurred before any treatment or examination by VA.
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