Glaucoma decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma as secondary to his service-connected type 2 diabetes, finding that there was no evidence of a causal relationship between the two conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to noise exposure during active military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, sarcoidosis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and MDD), glaucoma, and chronic sinusitis are all service-connected based on direct evidence of their onset during military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of glaucoma and establishing a link between the condition and in-service elevated intraocular tension.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current eye disability related to military service or to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's color blindness is considered a congenital defect and precluded by law from being service connected.

The Veteran's service-connected glaucoma has rendered him unable to perform basic activities of daily living and requires the aid and attendance of his wife. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of increased ratings and service connection are not addressed as this matter has been returned to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records from an outside clinic. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's bilateral retinal detachment with macular puckering, status post laser repair with glaucoma and cataracts has been rated at 10 percent since February 13, 2012. The appeal is denied as the claim for a higher rating remains unsuccessful.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection and increased ratings in various conditions, with some issues resulting in new and material evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected bilateral open angle glaucoma was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the period on appeal.

The Board has granted the appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease. The secondary service connection claims are remanded for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and glaucoma are not related to his active duty service, and thus denies these claims.

The Veteran is appealing the denial of service connection for various conditions, including disseminated intravascular coagulation with renal cortical necrosis, pulmonary embolism, arrhythmia, cellulitis, high cholesterol, and bilateral nuclear cataracts and left eye open angle glaucoma. The appeal will be remanded to allow for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board found that the Veteran's left eye blindness was not caused by VA treatment or surgery, and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and review of his service-connected conditions, specifically glaucoma in the left eye and diabetes with retinopathy in the right eye. The issue at hand is whether he needs aid and attendance due to these disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; a heart condition to specifically include coronary artery disease; hypertension; and glaucoma are not supported by evidence of service connection or exposure to herbicides. As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment of pension benefits in the amount of $12,727 would be against the principles of equity and good conscience due to VA's fault in not promptly adjusting the Veteran's pension benefits after he notified them of his additional income from Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's glaucoma. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the other issues on appeal.