The Board granted service connection for superficial punctate keratitis and conjunctival chemosis of the bilateral eyes, evaluated as noncompensably disabling as of August 10, 2022, but denied service connection for residuals of lung cancer, congestive heart failure, chest scars, and a left knee disorder.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the Veteran's timely filing under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022 (PACT Act), which allowed for an earlier effective date due to his in-service exposure to environmental toxins, but the evidence did not support a finding that these other conditions were related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- superficial punctate keratitis and conjunctival chemosis of the bilateral eyes, residuals of lung cancer, congestive heart failure, to include as secondary to residuals of lung cancer, chest scars, to include as secondary to residuals of lung cancer, left knee disorder, to include as secondary to residuals of lung cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2025
- Citation
- A25038958
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a heart condition to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding whether the Veteran's current heart condition is related to service, including in-service treatment for hypertension.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, migraines, left and right knee disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea due to missing military records and inadequate examinations.
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.