Glaucoma decisions — 2021

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The eye disability, adrenal gland tumor, and tumor neoplasm of the right side are not service-connected as they were not shown during service or related to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed. The petition to reopen a claim of service connection for vision loss is granted, but the issue remains remanded due to lack of nexus opinion. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between open angle glaucoma and presumed herbicide exposure or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the aggravation of right eye glaucoma, finding that VA fault caused this aggravation without informed consent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and treatment records. The Veteran's back disability, right knee disability, and eye condition are all being reviewed.

An increased rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is granted from December 6, 2011.,Service connection for a skin condition (fibromatous type changes and keloid) is granted. The Veteran's current disability includes bilateral cataracts and glaucoma secondary to diabetes mellitus.,PTSD claim dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,Bilateral hearing loss claim dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,Service connection for bilateral cataracts, bilateral glaucoma, kidney infection, bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral knee pain, bilateral ankle pain, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and lower back pain is remanded. Service connection for sciatica is also remanded.,An increased rating for diabetes mellitus secondary to cataracts and glaucoma is remanded.,Service connection for kidney infection is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral shoulder pain is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral knee pain is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral ankle pain is remanded.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is remanded.,Service connection for lower back pain is remanded.,Service connection for sciatica is remanded.

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is rated at 20 percent since February 20, 2018. He also received a separate 10 percent rating for his pinguecula with corneal scarring and a higher 30 percent rating for his infiltrative keratitis and open angle glaucoma after November 23, 2020.,The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is rated at 20 percent since February 20, 2018. He also received a separate 10 percent rating for his pinguecula with corneal scarring and a higher 30 percent rating for his infiltrative keratitis and open angle glaucoma after November 23, 2020.,The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is rated at 20 percent since February 20, 2018. He also received a separate 10 percent rating for his pinguecula with corneal scarring and a higher 30 percent rating for his infiltrative keratitis and open angle glaucoma after November 23, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left eye post-operative angle recession glaucoma and cataract has been dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board has ordered the claims to be remanded for further development and readjudication. The issues include initial ratings, effective dates, and TDIU.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have service connection for gout, COPD, sleep apnea, or glaucoma. The case is remanded to provide VA examinations and obtain a medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and cataracts, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma (to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus) have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral glaucoma suspect, claimed as ocular hypertension and service connection for a left ankle disability are remanded due to the need for further development including obtaining medical opinions.

The Board has denied an increased rating for generalized epilepsy and has remanded the issue of service connection for left eye injury, which is claimed as secondary to service-connected generalized epilepsy. The Veteran's left eye disability may require a new VA medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for glaucoma due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for an eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts, as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being returned due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions including asthma, multiple myeloma, type II diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension have all been denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other environmental hazards during service. The Board also found that these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and erectile dysfunction due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's statements indicate he served briefly in Vietnam but there is no verification from JSRRC.

The Veteran's narrow angle glaucoma is granted a 50 percent rating, effective November 16, 2011. The ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease and blepharitis with dry eye syndrome and bilateral excised pterygiums remain unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for glaucoma, lipoma, multiple myeloma, melanoma, lung condition (asthma and bronchitis), lower back pain, and bilateral leg tingling are not supported by evidence of a current disability related to service. As such, these issues have been remanded for further development.