Glaucoma decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability (torticollis) was previously denied in July 1971, and new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is not warranted as it does not constitute a recognized disability for VA purposes.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for an eye disability, including glaucoma, as there was no evidence showing a link between the current condition and service. The appellant's eyes were normal during active duty and post-service diagnosis of glaucoma occurred many years after separation.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and glaucoma, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy status post-surgical repair for bilateral detached retinas and glaucoma is secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's right eye iritis with angle closure glaucoma has not resulted in any loss of visual acuity, muscle function, or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest. Therefore, the current ratings for his service-connected right eye disability are denied.

The Board has decided to remand five issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including rhinitis with itchy throat and pharyngitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral glaucoma.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's eye disorders. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain missing STRs, including those from Standby Reserves and Army National Guard periods, and to provide the Veteran with a comprehensive examination if necessary.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right eye disorder, diagnosed as CRAO with neovascular glaucoma, status post right evisceration with placement of implant/right temporal tarsorrhaphy, as secondary to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for other specified trauma and stress related disorder (previously rated as mood disorder) is granted with an effective date of September 1, 2006. The case is remanded for further action on the claims for glaucoma secondary to service-connected disabilities and chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending claims on appeal, including those for service connection and ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and tinnitus have been reopened. Service connection is granted for tinnitus but denied for chest problems/blood clot in lungs. Other issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding his right eye disability. The claims will be remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The claim for service connection of glaucoma was denied. The claim for earlier effective date of PTSD rating and service connection for PTSD was dismissed as a matter of law.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the appellant withdrew her appeal in June 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an eye disability and a back disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is presumed credible regarding his in-service injuries, but additional medical records are needed to determine if there is a link between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral glaucoma, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded as there are insufficient opinions regarding its etiology. The examiner should consider both service-connected residuals of adenocarcinoma of the prostate status post radical prostatectomy and exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is also being remanded, requiring a new VA examination and medical opinion that addresses all diagnosed conditions and their relationship to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of hypertension and glaucoma.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's eye conditions are related to his service-connected hypertension and coronary artery disease.

The Board has denied service connection for glaucoma and erectile dysfunction, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a relationship to service. The claims for degenerative disc disease, thoracic back fractures, left hip strain, right hip strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.