Glaucoma decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, pituitary testicular disorder and vertigo have been denied as they are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection has been denied for diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Glaucoma, pituitary testicular disorder and vertigo were also not found to be directly related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, was denied. The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the post-service liver findings and active service.

The Veteran's glaucoma is not considered to be caused by VA care, and the Board finds that there was no fault on the part of VA in providing incorrect eyeglasses.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for gastroparesis, folliculitis, and glaucoma prior to May 14, 2009 are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain, muscle pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and sleep disorder, all to include as due to an undiagnosed illness or medical unexplained chronic multisymptom illness. The evidence did not show a current diagnosis of CFS and the medical records do not support a finding that these disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing and verifying the Veteran's current mailing address.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye condition, including POAG, cataracts, presbyopia and epimacular membrane, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim must be remanded for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding his service connection for bilateral loss of vision. The claim will be reviewed after obtaining additional information and medical opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's eye disabilities, including glaucoma and diplopia, are not related to his service or due to a service-connected condition. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an adequate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current eye disabilities, including whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee pain with arthritis, left knee arthritis, glaucoma, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and Zenker's diverticulum. The appeals were based on new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current non-congenital vision disorders (bilateral glaucoma and cataracts), first diagnosed after service, are unrelated to service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for vision problems is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for numbness and tingling of the fingertips and both hands (bilateral CTS), finding that it was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for glaucoma, which is currently secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not shown to be related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's right eye disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disease or injury. The Board finds no evidence of a current right eye disability and denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks a compensable evaluation for his service-connected minimal hyperemia of the eyes (previously diagnosed as conjunctivitis). The case is remanded due to outstanding medical evidence and the need for an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's bilateral eye disability or hypertension-induced glaucoma, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was in need of regular aid and attendance between September 2007 and his death. The case is therefore REMANDED for such development.