The Veteran's bilateral hypertensive retinopathy, including impairment caused by preoperative cataracts and diabetic retinopathy of the right eye, is currently rated as non-compensable. The case is remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a compensable rating based on current disability levels.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral hypertensive retinopathy, Bilateral preoperative cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy of the right eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- October 4, 2023
- Citation
- A23027509
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 A23027509.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, remanding several issues for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II with bilateral preoperative cataracts, erectile dysfunction, and dermatophytosis.
- Dismissed
The rating reduction for bilateral preoperative cataracts and retinopathy was improper, so the disability rating is restored to 30 percent. The claim for service connection for a right ankle condition is dismissed as it has been fully resolved.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral ocular hypertension is rated at a minimum of 10 percent due to the requirement for continuous medication, resulting in an overall noncompensable rating. However, as he requires continuous medication, he is granted a compensable disability rating.
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