Glaucoma decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, glaucoma, and cataracts as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's eye disorders have been found to be aggravated by his diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant or SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that service connection for glaucoma of the left eye is warranted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral eye disability and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated during his active service, and are not related to any diagnosed conditions. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's left eye cataract and glaucoma were rated at 20 percent effective February 21, 2001, but the Board has decided to grant an earlier effective date of February 21, 2000.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and an eye disability, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD requires him to be in need of aid and attendance, which is granted as part of his SMC claim.

The Veteran's open angle glaucoma and erectile dysfunction are found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service and insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between any current eye disorders and his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye ptosis is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that there are other diagnosed eye disorders (hypertensive retinopathy, cataracts, suspect glaucoma, dry-eye syndrome vs. punctual obstruction) that may be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Dry Eye Syndrome is granted. However, the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to grant service connection for Bell's Palsy as secondary to his Dry Eye Syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of factual and medical evidence, including obtaining VA treatment records and private treatment records. The issues on appeal are related to service connection for glaucoma, cataracts, neck cramps, migraine headaches, and a left shoulder disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from a private optometrist and verifying the Veteran's period of Army Reserve service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's glaucoma is related to his in-service eye problems and whether his service-connected left pterygium and right pingueculae caused or aggravated his glaucoma. Additionally, a new VA audiological examination should be provided to assess the current level of severity of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and prurigo nodularis, but denied these claims on their merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing officer's retirement and requests for another hearing. The issues of service connection for hypertension, headaches, and glaucoma are referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and difficulty in understanding complex commands. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma and bilateral cataracts are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, a back disability, and glaucoma have been denied as there is no credible evidence to support the assertions that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.