Retinitis Pigmentosa Exacerbated by Military Service – Nexus Letter
Retinitis Pigmentosa Exacerbated by Military Service – Nexus Letter
Nexus letter provided establishing the relationship between active military service conditions and the exacerbation of the serviceman's Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Case Summary
Prepared a nexus letter for a serviceman who developed and experienced worsening of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) during active military service, attributed to excessive occupational exposure to UVA, UVB, and blue light.
Background
A serviceman was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa during his period of active military duty. His condition was believed to have been exacerbated by prolonged and excessive exposure to UVA, UVB, and blue light inherent to his military service environment. A nexus letter was requested to support his VA disability claim.
Expert Analysis
- Review of the serviceman’s military service records and medical documentation
- Assessment of the documented RP diagnosis and its progression over time
- Evaluation of the scientific literature on phototoxic effects of UVA, UVB, and blue light on retinal degeneration
- Analysis of the occupational light exposure conditions consistent with active military service
- Determination of whether service-related light exposure more likely than not contributed to or accelerated the progression of RP
Testimony Provided
Provided a formal nexus letter opining on the causal relationship between the serviceman’s active military service conditions and the exacerbation of his Retinitis Pigmentosa, in support of his VA disability claim.