Glaucoma decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or eye disability (glaucoma and retinopathy) attributable to his period of active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's glaucoma claim is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus cannot be established as the condition was not present in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. The hypertension claim has been previously denied but reopened with new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral primary open angle glaucoma as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus, finding that his glaucoma is at least as likely as not related to his diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's uveitis of the right eye with secondary glaucoma was rated at 30 percent prior to December 8, 2008 and at 50 percent from that date. The Board found that a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability is being remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination by an ophthalmologist who has not previously examined him. The examiner must consider the Veteran's exposure to chemicals and fumes from burning oil wells during his active duty in Southwest Asia, as well as his report of experiencing itchy eyes since his discharge in 1991.

The Veteran does not have glaucoma that is related to military service; his glaucoma was not caused or made worse by service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bilateral optic atrophy and glaucoma, finding that the Veteran's disability is related to his active service. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU remains pending as it requires further action.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected primary open angle glaucoma of both eyes is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether they render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral cataracts and glaucoma, diabetes, low back pain pathology, hypertension, athlete's foot, and prostate cancer. The appeals are remanded to the Louisville, Kentucky RO for further development due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, including glaucoma. The case is REMANDED to obtain VA and private treatment records since August 2010, schedule the Veteran for an in-person VA examination, and readjudicate the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and for a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected Parkinson's disease, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left eye powder burn. The Veteran now meets the legal and factual criteria for service connection, as his current left eye conditions are causally related to his in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have any service connection claims pending at the time of his death for glaucoma, foot pain/plantar fasciitis, Dupuytren's contractures, meningitis, right rotator cuff problems, a right knee condition, cirrhosis with encephalitis and hepatic encephalopathy, or hepatitis B. As such, these claims are denied as accrued benefits.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for cerebrovascular accident prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's glaucoma of the left eye to his military service, and thus denied his claim.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his bilateral glaucoma with diabetic retinopathy is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need to consider both sets of rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of a Statement of the Case on issues regarding timely substantive appeals filed with regard to January 2008 rating decisions.