Glaucoma decisions — 2019

The Veteran's glaucoma with diabetic retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, and type II diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection and rated at 100% effective December 19, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for cervical sprain/strain with degenerative disc disease as secondary to residuals of a low back injury with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.,The Board also denied service connection for glaucoma as secondary to residuals of a low back injury with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left ankle disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his October 2018 Board hearing.,Service connection for low back disability, including degenerative disease, is denied as there is no evidence of chronicity in service or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Veteran's uveitis with glaucoma resulted in a temporary total rating based on surgical treatment necessitating convalescence from September 9, 2016 to October 10, 2016. The claim for increased ratings for pulmonary sarcoidosis and seborrheic dermatitis was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence being added to the file, and a Supplemental Statement of the Case must be issued.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, hypertension, bilateral glaucoma, and a heart condition due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need VA examinations to determine the severity of his PTSD, etiology of any diagnosed heart condition, and whether his hypertension and bilateral glaucoma are related to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment prior to March 7, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional evidence. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for bronchial asthma, and total disability based on individual unemployability are before the Board.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran's bilateral glaucoma pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service, or if it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied service connection for retinopathy and glaucoma, as well as an increased rating for the Veteran's prostate condition. The evidence did not support current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a respiratory condition due to a positive PPD test is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is also denied. For the period prior to November 14, 2017, the claim for a 20 percent rating for glaucoma is granted. For the period from November 14, 2017, the claim for a 30 percent rating for glaucoma is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for right and left foot bunions. The remaining issues have been remanded due to need for additional evidence or examination.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.,Service connection is also granted for pes planus, with onset during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as he is satisfied with the currently-assigned disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral glaucoma, corneal opacities and corneal erosion, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral glaucoma due to incomplete information and need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sickle cell disease, glaucoma of the right eye, avascular necrosis of the right hip, and renal disorder due to conflicting evidence regarding their onset during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for glaucoma and ischemic heart disease has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.,Tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity have all been granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension and a skin disability (to include chloracne) are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for right hip, left hip, glaucoma, macular degeneration, sleep apnea, and left leg conditions as there was no evidence of an injury or disease incurred during active duty or INACDUTRA.,The Board also denied service connection for a right leg condition due to lack of evidence linking the disability to active duty or INACDUTRA.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development and examination due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The claims are being reviewed again as part of a de novo process.