The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's eye disorders, specifically his bilateral dry eye syndrome, nuclear sclerotic cataracts, and peripheral retinopathy. The VA examiner will need to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to his service-connected left eye iritis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional medical inquiry is necessary prior to the adjudication of the instant claim due to the uncertainty regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral dry eye syndrome and his service-connected left eye iritis, as well as the need for an opinion on whether his peripheral retinopathy is related to his CML.
- Claimed conditions
- left eye iritis, bilateral dry eye syndrome, nuclear sclerotic cataracts, diabetic ocular involvement (peripheral retinopathy)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2022
- Citation
- 22059432
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 22059432.
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 Veteran's bilateral dry eye syndrome is rated at a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The disability requires treatment with artificial tears and meets the criteria for a bilateral disorder of the lacrimal apparatus under Diagnostic Code 6099-6025.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is not a causal relationship between his current condition and his military service. The evidence does not support a nexus to in-service exposures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate eye examination and new evidence received since the last decision.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active military service.
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