Glaucoma decisions — 2024

The Board denied service connection for right and left eye disabilities, cervical spine disability, and right ankle disability as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were otherwise related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for glaucoma, hypertension, and asthma are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral glaucoma, pinguecula, and chronic dermatitis due to in-service exposure to toxins and irritants. The conditions are presumed to have been incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's eye disability, including photophobia, cataract, glaucoma suspect, retinal drusen, lattice degeneration, and vitreous syneresis, is being remanded for further review due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided. The examiner must address whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective December 15, 2016, on a schedular basis due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The extraschedular TDIU claim between April 1, 2016, and December 15, 2016, is remanded for further review.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye glaucoma and diabetes mellitus, type II. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected iritis of the right eye, chorioretinal scar of the right eye, and angle closure glaucoma, to include bilateral dry eye syndrome. The case is also remanded for further development regarding a compensable rating prior to February 21, 2018, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for iritis of the right eye, chorioretinal scar of the right eye, angle closure glaucoma, to include bilateral dry eye syndrome, bilateral epiretinal membrane, and bilateral pseudophakia.

The Veteran's right eye disability, characterized by severe visual impairment and field defect, is granted a 90% rating prior to May 12, 2023. From May 12, 2023 onwards, the Veteran receives a 100% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and eye disabilities due to incomplete records, including missing STRs from his second period of active service. The AOJ is also directed to determine if the Veteran participated in a TERA (toxic exposure risk activity) based on his MOS as motor transportation operator.

The Board has granted service connection for glaucoma, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active duty service and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right foot disorder, insomnia, bilateral eye disorders, headaches, respiratory issues, and sinus problems. The evidence did not support a causal link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as further development of his Southwest Asia exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for eye conditions, an increase in his SMC compensation, and for an earlier effective date for his SMC due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a heart disability, kidney disease, and a bilateral eye disability due to insufficient opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral eye disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his military service. The decision also noted that the Veteran is not entitled to TDIU due to insufficient information regarding his employment history.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is granted service connection. Service connection for a right foot condition, glaucoma, and herpes keratitis are denied. Effective dates prior to July 13, 2016, for increased evaluations of left shoulder degenerative joint disease and right shoulder degenerative joint disease are denied. The Veteran's GERD is granted an evaluation greater than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, retinopathy, skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities due to exposure to herbicide agents and other toxins during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, particularly those related to Reserve service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as the July 5, 2019, VA Form 9 was not timely filed. The claims for service connection were decided on the merits and found to be denied.