Glaucoma decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection of open angle glaucoma and a higher rating for right total knee arthroplasty are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both lower and upper extremities, as well as an acquired eye disability (to include glaucoma), finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The appeal for service connection for hypertension is dismissed as the claim has been fully granted. The appeals for service connection for glaucoma and left knee condition are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including missing STRs.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, recurrent hemorrhoids, a recurrent bilateral eye disability (glaucoma and cataracts), a recurrent disability manifested by hair loss, a dental disability (rotten teeth), hypertension, erectile dysfunction, a recurrent lower extremity disability (tendinitis), and bilateral hearing loss. These claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a right eye disability due to potential exposure to toxic environmental agents (TERAs). The Veteran's STRs, military occupational specialties, and reports of childhood trauma are considered. A clinical opinion is needed that addresses whether there is at least as likely as not a nexus between the disabilities and the Veteran's TERAs.

The Veteran's ocular disability, including bilateral glaucoma and scotoma of the right eye, is not related to his service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for ocular migraines due to Gulf War exposures is remanded.

The Board has remanded multiple claims for service connection due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the cases of glaucoma, benign cyst (orbital fat prolapse on right side), and dermatochalasis for further examination and opinion. The Veteran's claims are not granted as there is no current diagnosis of glaucoma.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for glaucoma bilateral eyes claimed as blurred vision is remanded due to the need for additional records and a new VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining the curriculum vitae of the VA examiners and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hypothyroidism due to Camp Lejeune exposure are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for internal hemorrhoids, glaucoma, and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, as well as for peripheral arterial occlusion of the lower extremities. The Veteran's current diagnoses are being evaluated to determine if they are related to his military service.,The Board has also remanded the claim for diabetes mellitus, as well as the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities. These claims will be reviewed to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's current diagnoses and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence showing he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to September 16, 2022, for a 80% disability rating for cataract surgery with steroid induced glaucoma and dry eye syndrome of the right eye was denied. The earliest possible effective date is September 16, 2022.

The Board has denied the claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA opinion addressing whether the Veteran needed regular aid and attendance or was housebound as a result of his PTSD, and if so, whether it was related to his service-connected PTSD.