Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for kidney stone, erectile dysfunction, type II diabetes mellitus, primary open angle glaucoma and cataract of the right eye (claimed as bilateral blindness), peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability for any of these conditions during or shortly after service.,The Veteran's STRs did not show any complaints or diagnoses related to any of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for metrorrhagia, finding it is related to the Veteran's service-connected Cushing’s syndrome. The other claims of service connection were denied as there was no current disability or evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran has diabetic retinopathy of his right eye and whether this condition is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma was incurred during service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal, finding that the original January 2018 rating decision was procedurally proper and did not contain clear and unmistakable error. The benefits for automobile and adaptive equipment as well as special home adaptation grant were properly terminated due to the incorrect application of VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral pigmentary glaucoma, low back disorder, right thumb disorder, hyperemia conjunctiva, sinusitis, tinnitus, and left and right elbow disorders.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, allowing the claims for service connection for low back disability, respiratory condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder to be reopened.,Service connection for glaucoma is withdrawn.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any eye disabilities, including those related to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding the right ankle fracture. The Board has remanded cases for further examination and review of medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The issue of service connection for an eye disability, to include as secondary to hypertension, is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected glaucoma, finding that the evidence did not warrant such an increase.

The Veteran's diabetic retinopathy is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hypertension, as well as the claims for bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. Service connection has been granted for pseudophakia, cataracts, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma as the Veteran's diagnosis occurred during his period of inactive duty training (INACDUTRA), and no evidence was provided to show that the condition was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for glaucoma as new and material evidence was not submitted, and the condition did not have its onset in service or result from an in-service disease or injury.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a vision disability, including astigmatism and glaucoma. The issue of entitlement to a 10 percent disability rating for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 is also denied. Other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for vacatur of its previous decision denying service connection for an eye disability and a neurological disability of the right leg, finding that his due process rights were violated by not addressing his argument regarding radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal for bilateral glaucoma, to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,The claim for an earlier effective date for osteoarthritis of the left knee was denied because the earliest date entitlement arose is October 31, 2007.

The appeal pertaining to presbyopia is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received, allowing the reopening of claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and hypertension. Service connection for anemia secondary to hemorrhoids is granted.,PTOSIS with visual field defect prior to July 10, 2019 was denied; as of that date, a 30% rating is granted but no higher.,A separate 10% rating is granted for GLAUcoma and Ocular Sarcoidosis with Dry Eye Syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral glaucoma, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and bilateral glaucoma are currently rated at 30 percent. The appeal for increased ratings is remanded, as are the appeals for service connection of TBI, dizziness/vertigo, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy, left shoulder disability, right hand disability (swollen), and left heel spur.