Glaucoma decisions — 2018

The Board is remanding the cases for further action, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran also needs to be notified of his appellate rights on several effective date issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding earlier effective dates for service connection of various conditions, including diabetic nephropathy and ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or presumed exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a disability manifested by bilateral defective visual acuity, including open angle glaucoma, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and dry eyes, as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's bilateral eye disability. The claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right eye disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so both must be addressed together.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including open angle glaucoma of both eyes and ischemic optic neuropathy of the right eye, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral eye glaucoma is granted as service connected. The extension of a temporary total rating for back disability is granted until June 30, 2016. Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of glaucoma, and the Board finds that there is no evidence to support service connection for this condition.,There is insufficient evidence to establish an in-service injury or event related to the neck condition. The preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current neck disability did not originate during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's August 1981 cornea damage during ACDUTRA service may have contributed to his later development of glaucoma, and therefore remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and glaucoma, finding that both conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's special monthly pension is granted due to his blindness and other physical and mental impairments requiring regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's bilateral eye conditions are not service-connected, and his urinary condition to include residuals of prostate cancer is presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of records from an optometrist/ophthalmologist at David Grant Medical Center during service. The Veteran's glaucoma is being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including left shoulder tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, limited wrist motion due to elbow condition, post-operative thumb disability, glaucoma and aphakia of the eye, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Effective dates are established or remanded as appropriate.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, low back (post-herniated nucleus), and primary open angle glaucoma. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule the Veteran for examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records, and the claim for an increased evaluation of glaucoma remains before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding his claimed conditions. The issues include tinnitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left arm, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, low back pain, hearing loss in both ears, carpal tunnel syndrome and radiculopathy, vision problems, and headaches.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for left eye disorders was granted. The claim itself, however, remains denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current conditions are related to his active duty.