Glaucoma decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral open angle glaucoma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that there is no evidence of an exceptional or unusual disability picture with related factors of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that renders application of the current rating criteria impractical. Therefore, a higher rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the symptoms associated with his service-connected left eye disability, including visual acuity and whether watery eyes and light sensitivity are related.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cerebrovascular accident and glaucoma.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, including as due to his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the etiology of the Veteran's vision disability, including open angle glaucoma. The Veteran is encouraged to contact a VA provider who ascribed his glaucoma to an in-service eye injury and request that opinion be provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's iridodialysis of the right eye with glaucoma and photophobia is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes or visual impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete development. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and asthma have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an in-service incident or event related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing open angle glaucoma was aggravated by his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination. The examiner will clarify diagnoses associated with the Veteran's eyes and determine whether separate compensable ratings are warranted for bilateral dry macular degeneration.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and open angle glaucoma has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The claims for service connection for asthma, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, enlarged prostate, and GERD have all been denied due to the lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's statements regarding his conditions are considered cumulative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his diagnosed psychiatric disorders and eye disability.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected Posner-Schlossman glaucoma from May 13, 2011 to November 10, 2011. The rating was then reduced back to 10 percent since that date.

The Veteran's service-connected glaucoma has precluded him from substantial gainful employment since February 17, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for itching, as secondary to Graves' disease. The issue of left eye glaucoma and right hip condition are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Guillain-Barre syndrome and Type II diabetes mellitus are not related to his active duty service, and therefore denied these claims. The Board also found no evidence of a current disability for other conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's glaucoma first manifested during service and grants service connection for this disability.