The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for visual impairment due to residuals of photorefractive keratoplasty was denied as the evidence did not show that her vision had worsened beyond what is already accounted for by her existing service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome. The TDIU claim was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's visual impairment was found to be due to her pre-existing bilateral dry eye syndrome, which resulted in a denial of the higher rating request.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Dry Eye Syndrome, Visual Field Contractions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 25, 2022
- Citation
- 22003608
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 22003608.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's hyperthyroidism with bilateral dry eye syndrome is granted an initial 20 percent rating. A separate 30 percent rating for a thyroidectomy scar is also granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for urinary incontinence, anterior prolapse (cystocele), and bilateral dry eye syndrome with a 20% disability rating. The effective date of July 7, 2017 is also granted for the service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back disability is being remanded to the AOJ for further action.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral conjunctivitis with a history of dry eye syndrome is rated at 10 percent from March 4, 2019. A separate and compensable rating of 20 percent for bilateral dry eye syndrome is granted. The Veteran's entitlement to increased ratings for IVDS remains pending.
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