Glaucoma decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU is being remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) in his initial rating decision.

The Board has determined that the AOJ failed to provide a proper VA examination for service connection of right eye conditions and SMC based on loss of use. The Veteran's contentions regarding in-service exposure to radar, CRT radiation, VHF, and microwave emissions are being reviewed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and related conditions have been rated at a 70 percent disability level since December 22, 2008. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from December 15, 2005, to December 22, 2008, and on a schedular basis thereafter.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right and left eye disabilities due to a duty to assist error in obtaining an adequate VA examination prior to the July 2022 rating decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to a lack of evidence showing he is bedridden or in need of regular aid and assistance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for urticaria has been reopened and granted. Service connection for hypertension is also granted due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act.,Service connection for a back disability, glaucoma (secondary to DMII), stroke residuals, and neurological disability of the lower extremities (sciatica) are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder due to unclear opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran is already service connected for left macular hole repair.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for residuals of an eye injury and glaucoma due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's eye conditions, including DES, cataracts, and EBMD, are found to be at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims for glaucoma, benign cyst, and dermatochalasis remain pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and duty-to-assist errors, requiring further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, gout, glaucoma, liver disease, hernia, and thyroid disability due to in-service exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claims are pending as new and material evidence was submitted by the Appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a pancreas condition, prostate cancer, glaucoma, macular pigment change, and age-related cataract (claimed as latanoprost of the left eye), and diabetes mellitus due to duty assist errors. A VA medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left eye disability, including glaucoma, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus. The examiner is asked to provide opinions on these issues.

The Board has denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, hypertension, and an eye disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.,Service connection is being remanded for further development regarding hypertension and eye disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's glaucoma and TDIU claims. The issues of service connection for glaucoma and TDIU are inextricably intertwined, so they must be addressed together.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and glaucoma: simple, primary, and noncongestive. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and opinions regarding his eye disabilities, cervical spine disability, knee disabilities, and radiculopathy. The issues of service connection and initial ratings are being addressed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for open angle glaucoma have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 13, 2018 for a compensable disability rating for primary open angle glaucoma with pseudophakia and macular scar. The Veteran was previously granted service connection in August 2009 but received a noncompensable disability rating due to lack of evidence warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's left eye disability, specifically open angle glaucoma, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.