The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome was granted, while the claims for increased ratings for chronic back strain, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, and right eye pterygium were remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the evidence supported a 20% rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome of the lacrimal glands. The other claims are being remanded as there were inadequate examinations prior to the July 2020 rating decision on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral dry eye syndrome, chronic back strain, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, right eye pterygium
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24023260
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 A24023260.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral dry eye syndrome is rated at a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The disability requires treatment with artificial tears and meets the criteria for a bilateral disorder of the lacrimal apparatus under Diagnostic Code 6099-6025.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is not a causal relationship between his current condition and his military service. The evidence does not support a nexus to in-service exposures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate eye examination and new evidence received since the last decision.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active military service.
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