Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for new examination. The Veteran's left eye disabilities, including congenital cataract, glaucoma, pseudophakia, and dry eye syndrome, are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected right eye disability and PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) due to PTSD is granted, and he receives a separate rating of 30 percent for homonymous hemianopsia with right gaze palsy. His PTSD claim also results in a 50 percent rating. The stroke issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has precluded him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation since January 22, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU based on the PTSD disability. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to SMC at the housebound rate due to his combined 100 percent schedular rating for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye condition, but has remanded it to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current glaucoma and optic nerve atrophy.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinions are inadequate and remands the case for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran’s eye disability, including glaucoma and macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) changes, is related to his in-service duties as a welder without adequate eye protection.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues include glaucoma, residuals of a broken jaw, back disability, and left leg disability. Service connection is being remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but further development is needed to determine the validity of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents, as the legal standard regarding in-service exposure has changed. The Veteran served aboard a ship that was in 'official waters' of Vietnam during parts of his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension, glaucoma, and vision loss for additional development to determine their etiology in relation to service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with a previous remand, requiring another VA examination and nexus opinion from an appropriate VA medical provider.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA disability criteria. The new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was reopened as new and material evidence has been submitted, but service connection is still denied because there is no nexus between his period of service and his current condition.

The Veteran withdrew his claims of service connection for prostate cancer and glaucoma, as well as an increased rating for inguinal hernia in October 2018. As a result, the Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete examination report and a need for further clarification regarding the relationship between the Veteran's open angle glaucoma and exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new opinion on whether the Veteran's advanced juvenile primary open angle glaucoma was aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and eye disability (glaucoma). The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current eye disability.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder have been granted service connection.,Service connection has not been established for choroidal melanoma, dry eye, glaucoma, or optic atrophy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DMII, glaucoma of the left eye, bilateral tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma, have led to a need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance after August 31, 2011.