Glaucoma decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral primary open angle glaucoma with optic neuritis was denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury in service that caused the current disability.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for residuals of dental trauma and remanded the underlying claims for service connection for this disability, as well as the claim for residuals of a facial injury (other than bilateral glaucoma) to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, bilateral knee arthritis and rheumatism, heart disability, and sinusitis are denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or a relationship to service.,The Veteran's current hypertension condition is not related to his service. The Board finds that the weight of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current heart conditions (coronary artery disease and hypertensive cardiovascular disease) are related to service.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is denied as there is no in-service incurrence or relationship to service. Additionally, he is not entitled to presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.,Bilateral knee arthritis and rheumatism claims are denied as the Veteran did not have an in-service injury or disease that would support a grant of service connection. The Board also finds no evidence of continuity of symptomatology between his current condition and service.,The Veteran's heart disability (coronary artery disease and hypertensive cardiovascular disease) claim is denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or relationship to service. Additionally, the weight of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's sinusitis claim is granted as it is secondary to his service-connected rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for glaucoma with left eye blindness, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been reopened. The right knee disorder claim remains denied.,Service connection for the right knee disorder is not granted as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's need for the regular aid and attendance of another person was established due to his service-connected disabilities, including cerebrovascular accident, left hemiplegia, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, glaucoma, and coronary artery disease. The Board granted SMC based on this need.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and reviewing the Veteran's claims file.

The Board has reopened the claims for left knee disability, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claim of bilateral hearing loss remains denied as new evidence does not show a current disability for VA purposes. The Veteran's eye condition (glaucoma) is also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 60 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5237 for intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating as it includes incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome lasting at least six weeks during the past twelve months.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination by an ophthalmologist to determine the nature and likely etiology of his eye disabilities, specifically whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic conjunctivitis and glaucoma, both of which were diagnosed after separation from service, have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to radiation treatment at a VA facility is denied as there is no credible evidence of such treatment. The application to reopen the claim for service connection for loss of teeth with numbness is also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed genitourinary system disorder, bilateral eye disabilities (glaucoma), and back disability were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not show continuity of symptomatology for these conditions within one year after service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for schizophrenia and glaucoma, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and thus, denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma is not related to his service, including any trauma he experienced in service. The evidence does not show a link between his in-service eye injuries and his current glaucoma.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for blindness, glaucoma, and hypertension due to inextricably intertwined secondary service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a hearing and is not ready to make a decision on the service connection claims.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of glaucoma.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disability (acne disorder) and a sleep disability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The claim for glaucoma was also granted.,Service connection is established for an acne disorder due to exposure in Iraq and Kuwait during active duty service.

The Veteran's right eye vision loss is attributed to the progression of his glaucoma, not due to the delay in cataract surgery. The Board finds no additional disability caused by VA services.