The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his service-connected dry eye syndrome is granted, with a 20 percent evaluation. The claims for bilateral pinguecula of the eyes and hypertension are denied. Service connection for PTSD, alopecia or thinning hair secondary to PTSD, ED secondary to PTSD or hypertension, dry mouth syndrome secondary to OSA, GERD, and recurring body rash are all denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's dry eye syndrome was found to be rated by analogy under DC 6025, resulting in a 20 percent evaluation. The bilateral pinguecula of the eyes did not cause any scarring or disfigurement, thus warranting no higher than a non-compensable rating. The hypertension met criteria for a 10 percent rating but not greater. The tendonitis with impingement, status post right shoulder injury (major) was rated under DC 5201 and found to meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation. Service connection claims were denied due to lack of evidence supporting the required nexus between service-connected conditions and the claimed disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- dry eye syndrome, bilateral pinguecula of the eyes, hypertension, tendonitis with impingement, status post right shoulder injury (major), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alopecia or thinning hair secondary to PTSD, erectile dysfunction (ED) secondary to PTSD or hypertension, dry mouth syndrome secondary to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), recurring body rash
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2024
- Citation
- A24083485
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 A24083485.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
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The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
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