Glaucoma decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right knee disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current eye disability, including cataracts and glaucoma, is not related to his service or service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for glaucoma that he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain clarifying opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's glaucoma and whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is granted. The claims for increased ratings for glaucoma with bilateral cataracts, left thumb status post arthroplasty with degenerative changes and scars, and hypothyroidism are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA and SSA records related to his glaucoma.

The Veteran's appeal for a separate, compensable rating for bilateral retinopathy associated with Type II Diabetes Mellitus was denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for bilateral open-angle glaucoma and consequent diabetic retinopathy is set at March 24, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of preglaucoma, tinea cruris, headaches, or bilateral bunions that were incurred in service. Therefore, service connection for these issues is denied.