The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral keratoconus was denied as the evidence did not show that he met or more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating during the one-year period prior to July 2, 2018.
The deciding factor: There were no documented incapacitating episodes and the Veteran's visual acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on visual impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Keratoconus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 31, 2023
- Citation
- 23048183
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 23048183.
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 Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for bilateral keratoconus from May 13, 2018, and granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for painful scars associated with the condition. The Veteran's keratoconus is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 13, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral keratoconus, claimed as loss of vision, has been granted. He is also eligible for special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Granted
The Veteran's eye disability, which was previously rated at 30 percent, has been restored to a 30 percent rating effective March 1, 2015. The Board found that the reduction in rating from 30 percent to non-compensable (zero percent) was improper and not supported by evidence of improvement.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD and sleep disturbance are granted service connection. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD is denied, as the evidence does not support a separate diagnosis of adjustment disorder or anxiety disorder. The issue of service connection for bilateral keratoconus is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.
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