Glaucoma Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for left and right eye disabilities, including glaucoma, cataracts, pinguecula, and arcus senilis, finding that the current diagnoses are not related to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma and remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder) and SMC. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating and TDIU due to his service-connected left eye disability. The case is being returned for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records, confirming which division of Alamo Iron Works the Veteran worked in, and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bone spurs, body pain, glaucoma, asthma, and high blood pressure as there was no evidence of their onset during service or a link to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dry eye syndrome is related to her military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions. The issues include left knee, right knee, diabetes mellitus, left eye disability (including glaucoma), erectile dysfunction, bilateral kidney disability, and anemia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is caused by his service-connected hypertension, and thus grants service connection for glaucoma on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and a lumbar spine disorder, as they are related to herbicide agent exposure. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran’s alleged exposure to herbicides in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, or at Fort Sherman, Panama.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including glaucoma, sleep apnea, hypertension, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and diabetic retinopathy, are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish herbicide exposure or any other link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been denied as the new evidence received does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness for pre-existing disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral glaucoma, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities, were all denied by the Board.

The Board denied reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Boes Eye Care on September 10, 2012, March 20, 2013, and September 9, 2013, as there was no prior authorization from VA and the treatments were not considered emergency care. The Veteran's glaucoma condition did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under 38 U.S.C. § 1725.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen her claim for glaucoma, and the preponderance of the evidence is against finding that she has generalized arthritis or any other claimed condition due to service.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the other issues due to lack of evidence. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, but a new examination is needed to determine if it warrants an increased rating. Glaucoma and eye condition are also remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion on their etiology. Heart valve condition is also remanded for herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given his current symptoms.

The Veteran's primary open angle glaucoma was diagnosed within one year of his separation from active duty service, meeting the criteria for a presumption of service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts. The evidence now shows that his current right eye disabilities are related to his service-connected left eye disability.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for his HNP, status post fusion, is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 10 percent for his glaucoma is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal regarding TDIU is also remanded.