Glaucoma decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his eye disabilities, including whether they are related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for blindness due to glaucoma and denied an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbar stenosis with multilevel degenerative joint disease, status post laminectomies. The Veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure, and glaucoma as secondary to diabetes are all denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam and thus could not grant presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure. Diabetes was not present during service or within one year after discharge, and there is no medical evidence linking it to service. Glaucoma was also not shown to be related to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeals for glaucoma, stomach disorder, and head injury residuals have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, including glaucoma and symptoms of decreased visual acuity and dry, itchy and watery eyes, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's open angle glaucoma was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to active duty service or toxic herbicide exposure. Therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma, cataracts, and central retinal vein occlusion are not service-connected as they are related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, developing a TDIU claim, and providing an examination to assess the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent effective May 19, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating for GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic uveitis of the right eye and secondary glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of aid and attendance or housebound due to her disabilities, thus denying the claim for increased rate of dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or on being housebound.

The Veteran's nasal fracture disability is not rated as compensable, and his bilateral glaucoma was not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's glaucoma of the left eye is causally related to his period of service. As such, the claim for service connection for glaucoma of the left eye is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine has been granted. The claims for allergies, hearing loss, glaucoma, and rheumatoid arthritis and/or arthritis of the cervical spine, elbows, wrists, and hips have also been granted with appropriate ratings. Other claims were denied.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's left eye disorders, including open-angle glaucoma and decreased vision, to service or to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus of the left foot and reopened the claim for glaucoma. The Veteran's current pes planus is found to be related to his military service, while the issue of service connection for glaucoma remains pending as new evidence did not establish a medical nexus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether current right eye disability, including glaucoma, is related to in-service trauma. The Veteran's reports of such an incident will be considered.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for glaucoma and bilateral foot conditions was denied. However, his claim for service connection for a combined condition of bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, hallux valgus and hammer toes was granted effective June 15, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's right eye disorder, including retinal detachment and glaucoma, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his current condition is related to an injury sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's bilateral primary open angle glaucoma has been rated as 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a rating of 60 percent is warranted based on impairment of field vision.