Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability, including iritis/uveitis of ankylosing spondylitis with secondary glaucoma and cataracts and left eye retinal detachment with diplopia, is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with a new VA examination to determine the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected bilateral eye disability.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder dislocation, spondylosis of the lumbar spine with facet degenerative joint disease (claimed as bulging disc lower back), and glaucoma. The Veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee conditions, an eye disorder (glaucoma), lower back problems, and sciatic nerve issues. The Veteran's claims were based on his contention that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension, left eye glaucoma, and PTSD due to outstanding treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The Veteran will need new examinations to determine current severity of his conditions, as well as a VA Form 21-8940 completed by him.

The Board has granted service connection for right eye glaucoma, finding that the congenital disease of juvenile glaucoma initially manifested during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding his eyes and a VA examination to assess his gout. The issues of service connection for the eyes and for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for gout are now before the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an eye disability (glaucoma), a left ankle disability, a vestibular disorder, and a heart disability are all granted. The case is remanded for additional examinations to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's increased evaluation for mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, as well as the SMC claim, are being remanded due to incomplete records and a need for updated examinations.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for TBI, reopening of service connection claims for tinnitus and headaches, as well as service connection for various secondary conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is not service-connected.,His erectile dysfunction and chest pain are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's glaucoma is related to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The claim will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.

The Veteran's glaucoma rating was reduced from 20% to 0%, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the 20% rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for bilateral glaucoma (claimed as blindness) due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left eye incomplete central retinal vein occlusion is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are rated less than 60% combined and none exceed 40%. The Board finds that his service-connected conditions alone do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided the issues of service connection for an enlarged heart and glaucoma, as well as other claims. The case is being remanded to provide a supplemental statement of the case on several pending issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left eye glaucoma and chorioretinal scar is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination. Additionally, the earlier effective date claim related to the August 2010 rating decision is improper.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's claim for an eye disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral eye condition, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his active duty service.