The Board has denied an increased rating for generalized epilepsy and has remanded the issue of service connection for left eye injury, which is claimed as secondary to service-connected generalized epilepsy. The Veteran's left eye disability may require a new VA medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The April 2013 VA examiner's opinion was inadequate due to lack of expertise in determining causation or aggravation and the need for a retinal surgeon's input is required.
- Claimed conditions
- Generalized epilepsy, Mature cataract, retinal detachment by history, glaucoma angle closure (left eye injury)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21069602
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 21069602.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of June 3, 1992 for the award of service connection for generalized epilepsy. The appeal regarding recoupment of severance pay in the amount of $6,154.20 is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases due to incomplete records and conflicting information regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for generalized epilepsy and his entitlement to severance pay. The AOJ is instructed to contact the Atlanta RO to search for any additional records, including a separate claims file if it exists. They are also required to prepare an audit showing any military severance payments made to the Veteran.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
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