The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of keratoconus is related to his military service, specifically due to exposure to burn pits during deployment in Iraq. The claim for service connection is granted.
The deciding factor: Medical opinions provided by VA examiners found a causal relationship between the Veteran's military service and the development of keratoconus, which was exacerbated by environmental factors such as dry air and eye rubbing from burn pit exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- keratoconus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2023
- Citation
- 23053393
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23053393.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial compensable disability rating for keratoconus and the initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for migraine headaches.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety was denied as the evidence did not support a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for depression was denied because his symptoms were consistent with those already covered by his existing service-connected disability.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for keratoconus, depression, and sleep apnea have been readjudicated. The claim of service connection for keratoconus is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and sleep apnea are remanded to the AOJ for further review.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's keratoconus is granted service connection due to in-service exposure to sand and dust. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is remanded for further review.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.