Glaucoma decisions — 2022

The Board has decided that service connection is denied for gingivitis and remanded for further action regarding glaucoma.

The Board has denied service connection for glaucoma of the right eye and left eye, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure. Service connection was granted for erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer.,Service connection remains pending for sleep disturbance (including sleep apnea) and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted a 70% disability rating effective July 15, 2011. Service connection for glaucoma of the right eye and onychomycosis are also granted. The skin rash of the back is denied.

The Veteran's left eye glaucoma is related to his active duty service and granted. The right eye glaucoma case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for recurrent acute bronchitis is granted. The claims for bilateral eye disability (glaucoma), OSA, and left knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy have been granted. Service connection for glaucoma has been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence for deciding the claims. The Veteran's eye condition, bilateral lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, and hepatitis are all related to presumed exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's left eye disability, including his glaucoma, is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts and glaucoma, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The reasons are that the VA medical opinion provided in January 2022 is inadequate and an updated opinion is needed.

The Board denied the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the rate provided under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on blindness or need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a direct relationship between diabetes and blindness.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral primary open angle glaucoma with cataracts results in permanent impairment of vision, meeting the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the claims for left shoulder disability, eye disabilities, and PTSD due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and to obtain updated treatment records. The issue of special monthly compensation (SMC) has also been raised and must be addressed in conjunction with the eye disability rating issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and ocular surface disease. The appeal regarding service connection for thyroid nodules is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 80 percent for open angle glaucoma has been dismissed due to the withdrawal request from his attorney.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma was reopened due to new and material evidence, and the case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for bilateral glaucoma due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability is remanded due to inadequate examination. The Board finds a need for another VA examination by an ophthalmologist to address the Veteran's testimony and diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected severe neovascular glaucoma, right eye with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran is granted SMC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on his blindness in both eyes.