Glaucoma decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is caused by his service-connected hypertension, and thus grants service connection for glaucoma on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and a lumbar spine disorder, as they are related to herbicide agent exposure. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran’s alleged exposure to herbicides in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, or at Fort Sherman, Panama.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including glaucoma, sleep apnea, hypertension, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy, are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish herbicide exposure or any other link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been denied as the new evidence received does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness for pre-existing disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral glaucoma, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities, were all denied by the Board.

The Board denied reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Boes Eye Care on September 10, 2012, March 20, 2013, and September 9, 2013, as there was no prior authorization from VA and the treatments were not considered emergency care. The Veteran's glaucoma condition did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under 38 U.S.C. § 1725.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen her claim for glaucoma, and the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that she has generalized arthritis or any other claimed condition due to service.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the other issues due to lack of evidence. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, but a new examination is needed to determine if it warrants an increased rating. Glaucoma and eye condition are also remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion on their etiology. Heart valve condition is also remanded for herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given his current symptoms.

The Veteran's primary open angle glaucoma was diagnosed within one year of his separation from active duty service, meeting the criteria for a presumption of service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts. The evidence now shows that his current right eye disabilities are related to his service-connected left eye disability.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for his HNP, status post fusion, is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 10 percent for his glaucoma is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal regarding TDIU is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for glaucoma, peripheral vestibular disorder, hypertension, pulmonary embolism, diabetes mellitus, and seizure disorder as they are not related to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left carpal tunnel release, bilateral eye disorders, PTSD, fibromyalgia, hemorrhoids, and seasonal allergies. The Veteran will need additional examinations and evaluations for these conditions.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims as they are related to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left eye disability, finding that it did not manifest during or within one year of service and is unrelated to service.

The Board has not made a fully-informed decision on the issue of service connection for a right eye disability due to lack of an opinion regarding the relationship between any diagnosed conditions and the in-service injury. The case is being remanded for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development and evaluation, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's glaucoma and prostate disability. The rating for seborrheic dermatitis and tinea barbae is also being remanded.