mdtruax

I too have Keratoconus in both eyes but only my left eye is severely effected. It was diagnosed while I was in the service and shortly after getting out in 1979 I went to the VA and they determined it was service connected but gave me a 0% rating. I didn't challenge this at the time as the keratoconus was in early stages . The VA did approve a contact for my left eye in the early 1980's but I wasn't able to tolerate wearing a contact. As time went by my keratoconus worsened in my left eye but my right eye stayed quite functional and I just adjusted to having one bad eye and one good eye. With information I've found on this forum and the internet in general I've discovered I'm most likely eligible for at least 30% disability. I've just started a claim to increase my existing rating and am quite sure it will be approved ( my vision in my left eye is 20-400+ and VA records will verify its been that way now for about 20+ years. I have a few questions maybe someone out there can help with: 1. Why was I not given 30% right away after I got out of the service. I provided the VA with a opthamologists letter stating that a contact was the best way to correct my left eye vision. Was 38CFR 4.84a not in effect yet? 2. Do you think I will be eligible for retro compensation. My VA rep I talked to doesn't think so .He feels my compensation will start from this new claim date and its basically my tough luck for not realizing I could have put in a claim to increase my rating when my vision got worse. Thanks