Glaucoma decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and bilateral glaucoma have been granted. The Board found that the current disabilities are related to active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding service connection for bilateral open angle glaucoma and hypertension. The Veteran's eye disability is presumed to have existed prior to service, but there is uncertainty about his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has granted service connection for right eye glaucoma as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right eye angle recession with iridodonesis and lens subluxation. The claim of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for right eye angle recession is also granted, but remanded due to incomplete VA examination report. Service connection for left eye glaucoma and an acquired psychiatric disorder are both remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims. The claim for hypertension is also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral glaucoma has been rated at 10 percent since September 1, 2010. The Board found that the current rating is appropriate as his visual acuity and field contraction have not met criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, which include a lumbar spine disability and lower extremity radiculopathy. These conditions have resulted in significant mobility issues that require the use of assistive devices such as a cane or wheelchair.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current tinnitus and his military service.,A separate 10 percent rating was granted for madarosis of the left eyelash, effective from August 6, 2018.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma should be remanded due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the condition is a congenital disease or defect, and if so, whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's hypertension, chronic kidney disease, hypertensive retinopathy, glaucoma, retinal vein occlusion, epidermal cysts and comedones, and scars related to epidermal cysts have all been granted service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's eye disability, including glaucoma and other conditions like refractive error, epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, and dry eye syndrome, is being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to service or secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma and a rating in excess of 20 percent for back strain. The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were granted a 20% rating from May 18, 2015 to June 2, 2021.,The Board also remanded the claim for an increased hearing loss rating.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection. The appeal for glaucoma was withdrawn by the appellant. Service connection for left knee instability has been restored to its prior level of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death. The appellant and VA are requested to provide additional medical records and obtain an addendum from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board remanded several issues related to his disabilities. The initial compensable rating for bilateral open angle glaucoma was granted after December 10, 2019.