Glaucoma decisions — 2019

The Veteran's arthritis of the left hip, status post-total arthroplasty, was not caused by VA carelessness or negligence. The Board found that there was no additional disability as a result of VA medical treatment.,The Veteran's left eye glaucoma, status post-removal of the eye, is considered to be due to its natural progression and non-compliance with treatment rather than VA fault. The Board denied this claim based on lack of additional disability resulting from VA carelessness or negligence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral glaucoma is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the condition is not related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left eye condition, including glaucoma suspect and Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD), is not related to service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current diagnosis began during active duty or is otherwise linked to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of glaucomatocyclitic crisis is remanded due to insufficient information about his reserve service and Air National Guard service, as well as incomplete medical records from Massachusetts Eye and Ear. A VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between any current eye disorder and exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal.,The Veteran's appeal for TDIU prior to January 14, 2018, was also dismissed as he withdrew the appeal.,The Veteran's appeal for restoration of his 40 percent rating for bilateral glaucoma from August 1, 2014, to May 29, 2015, was granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to their death.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of glaucoma, open angle associated with type II diabetes mellitus. The effective date for a 60 percent disability evaluation for ischemic heart disease was denied as it did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date. The TDIU claim is remanded due to new evidence showing worsening of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts were granted a 70% rating prior to August 9, 2010, and an 80% rating as of that date. Special monthly compensation was granted for blindness in one eye. Increased ratings were granted for various lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathies.

Service connection for an eye disability to include glaucoma and macular degeneration is denied. Service connection for basal cell carcinoma and skin lesions is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia and GERD, right knee strain, right eye pinguecula, and right eye open angle glaucoma prior to April 22, 2015 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are remanded due to the passage of time and allegations of worsening conditions. Further, new VA examinations are needed as the current evidence is insufficient.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including diabetes, glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, CAD/IHD, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand includes efforts to corroborate the Veteran’s exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Japan.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral eye glaucoma is rated at 10 percent prior to November 15, 2015 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral eye disability other than cataracts is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's eye disabilities, including presbyopia and pre-glaucoma. The Veteran is requested to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus, MDD with alcohol substance abuse, and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. However, the effective dates for these conditions are October 11, 2016.,The claims of service connection for tendinitis, left ear hearing loss, glaucoma, a thoracolumbar spine disability, COPD, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, and stomach ulcer remain pending. Further development is needed to determine the current status of these conditions.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for glaucoma was denied. His claims for residuals of a right eyebrow laceration and gluteus muscle strain were granted with a 20% rating, but the claim for hemorrhoids was dismissed. The neck disability and radiculopathy claims are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma, finding that his current condition is related to his active duty service. The decision also grants the reopening of his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vision impairment (glaucoma and cataracts) is denied as there is no evidence of such condition during or after service, and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Service connection granted for tinnitus. The Veteran reported that his tinnitus began in service and has persisted since then.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that the Veteran's diabetes and other service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death.