The Board has remanded the service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and loss of vision/open angle glaucoma/cataracts/choroidal nevus, claimed as secondary to concussion residuals. The Veteran's representative argued that a VA examination was inadequate due to lack of review of medical literature and potential need for a neuro ophthalmologist's opinion.
The deciding factor: The Board directed the examiner to provide an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current loss of vision/bilateral glaucoma is related to service, specifically including the February 1971 motor vehicle accident which resulted in a concussion and subconjunctival hemorrhage. The examiner was also asked to determine if the loss of vision/cataracts/choroidal nevus is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of TBI.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic heart disease, Diabetes mellitus type II, Loss of vision/open angle glaucoma/cataracts/choroidal nevus
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23026735
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 23026735.
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 claim for an initial rating of 30 percent prior to July 18, 2014, and a higher than 60 percent rating thereafter for ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to incomplete evidence. The examiner needs to provide more detailed information about the severity of his service-connected condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for ischemic heart disease due to a failure by the AOJ to request SSA records, which were not available.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction, status post stent placement, as well as obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, basal cell carcinoma, bilateral pseudophakia, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis (bilateral eye conditions), diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and heart condition due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos is conceded.
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