Glaucoma decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for open-angle glaucoma, concluding that the condition did not develop during active duty and was not aggravated by a period of ACDUTRA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for eye disorder, including bilateral glaucoma and cataracts, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current conditions and active service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary or aggravation service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for glaucoma and hypertension, finding no causal relationship to the Veteran's service-connected conditions. Service connection for a heart disorder (left bundle branch block) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma have been granted an 80% evaluation from July 1, 2009 to February 2, 2015. The rating is continued at 80% until February 13, 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed. The Board has remanded several issues including right foot neuropathy, left foot neuropathy, sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral primary open angle glaucoma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his glaucoma began during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to inadequate previous examinations. The issues of service connection for various conditions are being reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, cataracts, and pinguecula due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have any other service-connected disabilities during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is presumed to have been incurred in service, as it manifested during active duty and was not preexisting. The claim for service connection is granted.

An initial 70 percent rating for residuals of a TBI is granted, effective February 15, 2019.,A 50 percent rating for headaches is granted as of March 7, 2015, and denied prior to that date.

The Veteran's hypertension and glaucoma are not service-connected.,Right and left lower extremity varicose veins have been rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 40 percent is not warranted at this time.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction may be related to Gulf War exposures, but further clarification is needed from an appropriate clinician.,Left and right knee strains have been rated as 10 percent disabling each, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent for both knees is not warranted at this time.,Lumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking a higher rating. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted at this time.

The VA withheld disability compensation to offset a tort settlement, and the appeal is denied as it was required by law.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to May 31, 2016 due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is presumed via PACT Act.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vision loss (previously claimed as glaucoma), including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum VA opinion to address the etiology of any left eye disability, including glaucoma, decreased visual acuity, and hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. The Veteran's reports of diplopia since his in-service surgery are also to be considered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye condition, right hip condition, superficial femoral artery stent in the right thigh, and residuals of amputation of the right second toe were all denied as they did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.,There was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy, as well as left eye disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA records and scheduling a new eye examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye disorder, including glaucoma and cataracts, as well as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma, finding that there is no medical evidence linking the disability to his military service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus and hypertension.