Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for a keloid scar on the occipital scalp and remanded the issue of service connection for glaucoma, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as he does not have a current disability for VA purposes.,Service connection is granted for glaucoma, with the condition likely related to military service and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and sleep apnea. The Board found that there is no evidence linking the conditions to his military service, including herbicide exposure or antimalarial medication use.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to ensure compliance with the prior Board remand instructions, including obtaining an addendum VA opinion addressing whether the Veteran's left eye conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II has been rated at 40 percent since December 9, 2014. The Board has also remanded the issue of a separate rating for an eye disability as a complication of his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, glaucoma, and hypertension are remanded due to the need for VA examinations. The claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of prostate cancer is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral eye disorders, specifically diabetic retinopathy and whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding visual field testing results and right hip disability examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral open-angle glaucoma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The Board found that the current disability ratings of 10 percent for bilateral open-angle glaucoma and 30 percent for GERD are appropriate.

The Board has denied service connection for cataracts and glaucoma, but has remanded the claims for constipation and GERD.

Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and lumbar spine arthritis is granted, effective from September 29, 2017. Service connection for glaucoma was withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) as it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, a back disability, and a bilateral eye disability to include glaucoma due to incomplete development. The appeal is also remanded for consideration of the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for left orbital fracture residuals was denied. A subsequent increased rating to 20 percent as of March 30, 2015, and an increase in the rating for left eye traumatic glaucoma were granted. The case is remanded for additional visual field testing.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back disorder, an eye disorder (glaucoma), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.,The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted service connection. The Veteran's type two diabetes mellitus, bilateral open angle glaucoma, and tinnitus are not granted increased ratings. The Veteran's sinusitis, tonsillectomy residuals, right wrist Dequervain's syndrome, right ring finger fracture, erectile dysfunction, and right epididymitis status post epididymectomy do not warrant increased ratings. A TDIU is granted from October 1, 2007 to February 28, 2013, and from January 22, 2018 on.

The Board has remanded the claim for entitlement to service connection for glaucoma due to additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA ophthalmologist regarding whether the Veteran's primary open angle glaucoma either pre-existed his service or had its onset during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

VA has received new and material evidence to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension, Hepatitis C, PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (unspecified depressive disorder and delusional disorder), glaucoma, pancreatic disorder, and diverticulitis. Service connection is granted for the latter four conditions.,VA has denied service connection for hypertension, glaucoma, and pancreatic disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or service-connected diabetes. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetic proliferative retinopathy is granted, but his claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and compensable rating for diabetic proliferative retinopathy prior to May 13, 2018 are both remanded.