Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities need to be evaluated for eligibility in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left eye glaucoma and residuals of eye trauma, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease and peripheral neuropathy, are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The claim for diabetes mellitus is reopened.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral glaucoma is granted, but the issue of service connection and TDIU are remanded due to need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of current diagnosis and failure to consider relevant VA treatment records. The Veteran's glaucoma claim will be reconsidered.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction because there is no current diagnosis of glaucoma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current diagnosis and his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection due to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's glaucoma is aggravated by his service-connected skin disabilities, specifically steroid use.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was granted. Service connection for bilateral cataracts and glaucoma due to diabetes mellitus was also granted.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left foot toe drop, and vision disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted reopening of the previously denied claims for service connection for hypertension and tinea pedis, but denied reopening of the claim for morbid obesity with reduced vital capacity. The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus prior to June 25, 2014 is rated at 10 percent, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus prior to June 25, 2014 is rated at 10 percent, and diabetic nephropathy is rated at 100 percent. The claims for increased ratings are all denied.

The Veteran's right eye visual field defect prior to May 24, 2004 is granted a 10 percent rating.,From May 24, 2004 to December 5, 2011, the Veteran's bilateral primary open angle glaucoma is granted a 30 percent rating. From October 1, 2012 onwards, he is granted a 40 percent rating.,Temporary total ratings are granted for surgical convalescence from July 16, 2012 to September 30, 2012 and SMC at the housebound rate from July 16, 2012 to September 30, 2012.

The Veteran's eye disorder, sleep apnea, heart disorder, skin disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, and major depressive disorder are remanded for further development due to possible in-service exposure to herbicide agents and other chemicals and radioactive materials at Seneca Army Depot and Fort Gordon.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the issues of service connection for glaucoma and sleep apnea. The Veteran's COPD claim is not supported by evidence showing a current disability, while his claims for glaucoma and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral eye disability, status post cyst of the back, and skin disability. The evidence did not show any in-service or post-service relationship to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for glaucoma, right foot pes planus, and left foot pes planus. The decision is based on the evidence showing a direct relationship to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a visual disorder other than dry eye syndrome of bilateral lacrimal glands, to include bilateral cataracts and bilateral glaucoma. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings on multiple knee and eye conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for tinnitus. The reopened claims for service connection for hypertension, glaucoma of the right eye, and PTSD with substance abuse are remanded due to new evidence that may relate these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, an eye disability including glaucoma and a right eye injury, a back disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, anemia, bilateral foot disabilities, and insomnia. The Veteran's hearing loss disability remains at Level I in each ear.