Glaucoma decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected glaucoma was rated at 10 percent prior to June 26, 2007 and at 20 percent from June 26, 2007 to July 26, 2010. From July 27, 2010, the Veteran's glaucoma was rated at 30 percent. The left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of glaucoma or bilateral inguinal hernia, and the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that PVD was incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied as there is no evidence of additional disability caused by VA treatment, and the event (surgery complication) was not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma due to uncertainty about whether it is related to his service-connected renal calculi. The case will be returned to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and glaucoma. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right eye disorder resulting from glaucoma surgery was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the inadequacy of a VA examination, and he needs a new examination to determine if his current right eye disorder was caused or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's eye condition with loss of balance, loss of vision, and dehydration is not considered to be the result of VA medical treatment. The Board finds that there is no evidence showing causation or fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA medical records. The claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder and Gulf War exposure-related disability are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for left eye glaucoma, left eye cataract, and low back strain were denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's glaucoma is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. Service connection is denied for all issues.

The Veteran's service-connected advanced pigmentary glaucoma was rated at 30 percent from February 11, 2005 to February 9, 2010 and increased to 60 percent effective February 9, 2010.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, requiring insulin and a restricted diet, is currently rated at 40 percent. This meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for vision problems, and it is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for glaucoma is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial or staged rating for diabetes mellitus is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his condition requires regulation of activities, hospitalizations, or other significant impairment beyond what is contemplated by the current 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was granted service connection. Service connection for glaucoma and hypertension were denied as secondary to a service-connected disability, but the claim is pending. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted an initial rating of 10 percent from February 14, 2004, to December 30, 2009, and a rating in excess of 20 percent beginning December 30, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of eye trauma, to include glaucoma, is denied as there is no current diagnosed condition and the decreased visual acuity is due to a refractive error.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling him for VA medical examinations.