The Veteran's service-connected bilateral retinal scars with left eye maculopathy and pseudophakia are currently rated at 30 percent since March 23, 2020. Prior to this date, the disability was not considered disabling enough for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support assigning an initial rating greater than 30 percent prior to March 23, 2020, due to the Veteran's visual acuity and visual field defect being at worst 20/40 in each eye and with average concentric contraction of 42 degrees in the left eye and 58 degrees in the right eye.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral retinal scars, Left eye maculopathy, Pseudophakia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 23, 2023
- Citation
- 23057445
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 23057445.
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 Veteran's limitations in performing activities of daily living are consistent with being unable to sustain himself in the community, warranting Tier 2 benefits under the PCAFC program.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and remanded claims related to eye conditions and TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's request to revise a January 2016 rating decision that assigned an 80 percent disability rating for bilateral macular degeneration with pseudophakia, finding no clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The effective date remains December 12, 2014.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further examination is required.
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.