Glaucoma decisions — 2017

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right and left legs are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted based on current symptoms.,The Veteran's glaucoma is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for eye services on February 28, 2013 were not reimbursable because the treatment was not authorized by VA and did not meet the criteria for emergency services.

The Veteran's Sjogren's disease with dry mouth and eyes is rated at 30 percent, effective October 18, 2006. The Board found that the current rating adequately compensates him for his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral glaucoma did not begin during and was not otherwise caused by his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents; his bilateral glaucoma was not caused by and has not been aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

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

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain with degenerative changes was rated at 20 percent prior to October 1, 2009 and is currently rated at 10 percent since that date.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 10 percent since January 18, 2017.,The Veteran's glaucoma of the right eye was initially rated at 10 percent and remains at this level.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right eye open-angle glaucoma, finding that it is related to his service-connected right eye disability. The main issue of an increased rating for residuals of retinal detachment remains under consideration.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD.,Glaucoma is not found to be proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. However, it is as likely as not that glaucoma was caused by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts, is not related to his active duty service or any service-connected condition, including his diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his glaucoma disability is being remanded due to incomplete medical records. The VA will attempt to obtain the complete records from July 2013 to the time of the Veteran's death in August 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma and hypertension are not related to his military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing and his notice of disagreement regarding the rating assigned for left foot hammertoes. The appeal is now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's left eye disability has been manifested by correctable diplopia, with average concentric contraction of field vision of 37 and 38 degrees in the left eye. The effective corrected distant visual acuity is 20/50 at worst in the left eye with normal visual acuity of 20/40 or better in the right eye. As such, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left eyebrow scar, optic nerve damage with defective vision and glaucoma in the left eye, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis of both shoulders, degenerative arthritis of the spine, cerebral concussion with impairment of balance, maxillary sinusitis, residuals dislocation of the 2nd and 3rd toes on the left foot, and burns to the right leg, meet the schedular percentage requirements for a TDIU since February 7, 2007.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 for a right eye condition, including existing disabilities of glaucoma and corneal herpetic disease and resultant scarring. The case has been remanded to obtain additional records related to the July 2014 corneal debridement procedure performed at the Long Beach VAMC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The issues of service connection for various conditions are on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and right eye glaucoma are not service-connected based on direct evidence of a connection to his military service. The Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA ophthalmological examination and issuing a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The issues include service connection for an acquired eye disorder, compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, reopening of claims for skin condition and right hand disability, and service connection for low platelet count and back condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma and rheumatoid arthritis did not have their onset during service or within one year of separation, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have glaucoma related to his active duty service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.