Service connection is granted for low back and neck disabilities, but denied for eye contusion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conjunctivitis, left shoulder disability, and left ring finger disability.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of low back and cervical spine DDD are presumed service connected due to continuity of symptoms since service.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence or allegation suggesting the Veteran has any current residual left eye condition (or any broader eye condition other than conjunctivitis), or any impairment related to eye symptoms. The AOJ has conceded a documented left eye contusion in service, but there is no evidence of a current disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Eye Contusion, Low Back Disability, Neck Disability, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Conjunctivitis, Left Shoulder Disability, Left Ring Finger Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26017830
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 A26017830.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Mays & Schnapp Pain Management and schedule the Veteran for additional medical examinations.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
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