The Board has denied service connection for abdominal aneurysm, bilateral kidney disorder, and bilateral glaucoma due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service. The right eye disorder is also denied as the separation in time between herbicide exposure and diagnosis makes it less likely caused by such exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's right eye disorder (CRVO with macular edema) occurred after his presumed exposure to herbicide agents, making it less likely related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Abdominal Aneurysm, Bilateral Kidney Disorder, Bilateral Glaucoma, Right Eye Disorder (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2023
- Citation
- 23051432
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 23051432.
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 Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral glaucoma prior to February 1, 2025 is denied as the disability did not result in decreased corrected visual acuity or other impairment that would warrant a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date for a 70 percent evaluation for bilateral glaucoma to include dry eye syndrome, beginning August 31, 2021.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD and bilateral glaucoma were granted, with the earliest effective date being July 25, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the impacts of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to care for himself and his need for aid and attendance.
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