{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/retinal-dystrophy-including-retinitis-pigmentosa-macular-degeneration","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:34:30.959Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"Retinal dystrophy (including retinitis pigmentosa macular degeneration)","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":1520,"years":"2017-2026","granted_pct":20.1,"denied_pct":29.8,"remanded_pct":49.2,"granted_on_merits_pct":40.2,"by_year":[{"year":2017,"issues":156,"granted_pct":12.8,"denied_pct":43.6,"remanded_pct":37.8},{"year":2018,"issues":233,"granted_pct":12.9,"denied_pct":39.9,"remanded_pct":44.6},{"year":2019,"issues":220,"granted_pct":16.4,"denied_pct":24.1,"remanded_pct":56.8},{"year":2020,"issues":203,"granted_pct":18.7,"denied_pct":31.5,"remanded_pct":48.3},{"year":2021,"issues":166,"granted_pct":19.9,"denied_pct":29.5,"remanded_pct":50.6},{"year":2022,"issues":165,"granted_pct":24.8,"denied_pct":17,"remanded_pct":57},{"year":2023,"issues":158,"granted_pct":27.8,"denied_pct":19,"remanded_pct":51.9},{"year":2024,"issues":133,"granted_pct":21.8,"denied_pct":30.8,"remanded_pct":47.4},{"year":2025,"issues":111,"granted_pct":25.2,"denied_pct":27.9,"remanded_pct":45.9},{"year":2026,"issues":42,"granted_pct":35.7,"denied_pct":23.8,"remanded_pct":40.5}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":69.5,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":209,"granted_pct_with":63.8,"granted_pct_without":34.3},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":980,"granted_pct_with":34.1,"granted_pct_without":55.6},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":250,"granted_pct_with":69.4,"granted_pct_without":31.1},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":706,"granted_pct_with":32.1,"granted_pct_without":49.2},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":478,"granted_pct_with":51.2,"granted_pct_without":33.2},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":77,"granted_pct_with":71.7,"granted_pct_without":37.9},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":1143,"granted_pct_with":37.4,"granted_pct_without":53.4},{"evidence":"buddy_statement","decisions_with":42,"granted_pct_with":65.5,"granted_pct_without":39.2},{"evidence":"combat_service","decisions_with":86,"granted_pct_with":45.5,"granted_pct_without":39.9}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"caused by the service-connected disability","decisions":57},{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":47},{"reason":"service connection established","decisions":26},{"reason":"criteria for secondary service connection met","decisions":6},{"reason":"criteria for service connection met","decisions":4},{"reason":"secondary service connection granted","decisions":4}],"denied":[{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":41},{"reason":"no in-service complaints, treatment or diagnosis","decisions":32},{"reason":"va examiner: less likely than not related to service","decisions":32},{"reason":"no current diagnosis","decisions":31},{"reason":"service records negative or silent","decisions":25},{"reason":"current diagnosis established","decisions":16}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"26005036","year":2026,"judge":"MARJORIE A. AUER","rationale":"Diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and cataracts post-service.; Recognized complications of diabetes mellitus.; Private medical opinion confirmed these conditions are approximately due to Type I diabetes."},{"case_id":"A26038893","year":2026,"judge":"C. CRAWFORD","rationale":"Multiple injections received between April 22, 2021, and September 21, 2021.; Symptoms began around April 22, 2021.; Symptoms resolved after injections by September 21, 2021."},{"case_id":"A26036320","year":2026,"judge":"J. T. HUTCHESON","rationale":"Diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in January 2014; January 2025 VA eye exam found retinopathy related to Type II diabetes mellitus"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26038893","year":2026,"judge":"C. CRAWFORD","rationale":"No visual field defects or decreased visual acuity.; Corrected vision generally 20/20 or better.; Symptoms prior to April 22, 2021, not clearly established."},{"case_id":"A26037258","year":2026,"judge":"S.C. KREMBS","rationale":"No probative medical nexus opinion found; VA examiner found no direct or presumptive service connection; Evidence persuasively weighs against service connection"},{"case_id":"A26032713","year":2026,"judge":"MARCUS N. FULTON","rationale":"No incapacitating episodes requiring 3-5 visits; Visual acuity warrants noncompensable rating; Evidence against higher rating"}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}