I just filed my 1st claim after 20 yrs in for disability. I was denied for dry eyes and halos in the eye (night time driving issue). I was also denied for the corneal tear I had due to the the dry eye (happened on active duty). While I did have the PRK done while I was in, I have been on lubricating eye ointment for 5 plus yrs now (discharged dec 2020). I was denied due to the elective PRK surgery. However I found case law that states residuals from the surgery (halos and dry eye and in my case the corneal tear) should be service connected even if the surgery was elective. I also was denied connection for my wrist I injured and have been on profiles and physical therapy since then to include being issued a wrist widget for the last 8 yrs. This injury occurred on deployment. How do I use VA case law to file a claim on the appeal? What kind of appeal should I file? I don't have money for a lawyer so realistically this isn't an option for me.
Here's the case laws I found
https://www.va.gov/vetapp15/files3/1522780.txt
https://www.va.gov/vetapp08/files5/0839672.txt
Thanks
M