Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's glaucoma and whether it is related to service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's employment during the pendency of the appeal prevented a determination on his claim for TDIU prior to January 17, 2018. The Board denied the claim as he failed to provide necessary evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral primary open angle glaucoma with retinal vein occlusion of the left eye was denied in a December 2011 rating decision. The effective date remains May 24, 2017, as there is no evidence of CUE or reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's bilateral blepharoconjunctivitis is rated at 10% under the old criteria. The Board has determined that a higher rating may be warranted due to additional symptoms and exposure not previously considered, but needs further examination to determine if these conditions are service-connected or caused by his other service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for an eye condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence submitted. The cases are remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and verifying stressor events.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus and TDIU prior to June 4, 2015. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include bilateral pes planus, glaucoma, GERD, right ankle sprain, scar, cervical spine strain degenerative disc, bilateral shin splints, asthma, and tinea pedis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for open-angle glaucoma suspect with a left eye corneal scar was granted effective May 1, 2001. The decision is based on the merits of the case and not due to any new evidence or a presumption.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and a need for additional development regarding non-VA treatment for glaucoma.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The claims for hypertension, DM, acquired psychiatric disorder, symptomatic paroxysmal atrial flutter, glaucoma, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, and right knee strain are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and readjudication due to inadequate medical opinions regarding his sickle cell disease.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart disorder and remanded the claims of bilateral nuclear cataracts and left eye open angle glaucoma. The decision is binding only with respect to the specific matters decided.

The Veteran's tinnitus and headaches have been granted service connection, while his vision problems are denied. The Veteran is also awarded a 50% disability rating for his service-connected headaches.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for glaucoma and cataracts due to an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's dry eyes with meibomianitis and light sensitivity are alleged to have aggravated his cataracts and glaucoma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, glaucoma, and SMC due to the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound as a result of service-connected disabilities. The claims are remanded for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to missing VA treatment records, a lack of a VA examination addressing only his service-connected disorders, and an inability to attend the scheduled hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation regarding the etiology of the Veteran's detached retina and other bilateral eye disabilities, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability, including glaucoma and macular RPE changes, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking it to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. Service connection claims for glaucoma and macular degeneration are remanded due to the need to confirm active duty service in November 2001.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for glaucoma and gastrointestinal disability, as well as the issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound. The issues are inextricably intertwined.