Glaucoma decisions — 2015

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence are all service-connected. The Board has also determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for glaucoma. The claim is granted as secondary to the service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran claims that his current right eye disorder, including traumatic cataract and glaucoma, is related to active duty service. The VA medical opinion indicated that the disorders pre-existed entry into service and were not aggravated during service. However, an additional medical opinion is needed to determine if improper treatment during service contributed to the worsening of the conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a separate 10 percent evaluation for his open-angle glaucoma, which is secondary to his service-connected bilateral uveitis. The issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral uveitis remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran requested an increase in the disability rating for prostatitis and filed appeals for service connection of various conditions, including hypertension, PTSD, tinnitus, blistering on the ears, glaucoma and cataracts with lens replacement, boils, emphysema, and tinea pedis. The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and increased ratings for fibromyalgia, GERD with duodenitis and IBS, and chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood were denied. The Board found that the evidence was against a finding of direct service connection for glaucoma and concluded that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for fibromyalgia or an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD with duodenitis and IBS.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as he does not have qualifying service during a period of war.

The Veteran's eye condition (claimed as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, and cataracts) is not of service onset or otherwise related to the Veteran's military service, including as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired eye disorder, including vision problems, glaucoma, cataracts, and ptosis. The decision is based on a finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, schedule him for an eye examination, and determine whether he should be referred for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Veteran's bilateral glaucoma was rated at 50 percent for visual field impairment and a 10 percent rating for visual acuity impairment from December 10, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's glaucoma is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran must undergo a VA examination and receive an opinion on this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of glaucoma, but rather ocular hypertension. The evidence does not support service connection for glaucoma suspect.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral eye disability, left knee disability, and upper respiratory disability (claimed as a sinus condition).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including examinations and retrieval of relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim is not ready for final adjudication and has been remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his right eye disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral iritis with conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and cataracts has not met the criteria for a disability rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cataracts are etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus granted service connection for cataracts as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The issue of entitlement to service connection for glaucoma is addressed in a separate section.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.