Glaucoma Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of records from an optometrist/ophthalmologist at David Grant Medical Center during service. The Veteran's glaucoma is being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including left shoulder tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, limited wrist motion due to elbow condition, post-operative thumb disability, glaucoma and aphakia of the eye, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Effective dates are established or remanded as appropriate.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, low back (post-herniated nucleus), and primary open angle glaucoma. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule the Veteran for examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records, and the claim for an increased evaluation of glaucoma remains before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding his claimed conditions. The issues include tinnitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left arm, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, low back pain, hearing loss in both ears, carpal tunnel syndrome and radiculopathy, vision problems, and headaches.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for left eye disorders was granted. The claim itself, however, remains denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current conditions are related to his active duty.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's right eye disability and ED.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, which is aggravated by a previously service-connected disability (diabetes mellitus). The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chest pain, bilateral eye disorder with glaucoma and periorbital swelling, and bunions due to lack of compliance with previous remand orders. The VA examinations are required to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability has been reopened and granted. The Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified is also now considered to be related to active service.,Service connection was denied for myalgia of the chest, angle recession glaucoma, and prostate condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder is granted with an effective date of February 18, 2013. The issue of secondary service connection for glaucoma due to TBI is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma, eye cataracts, and hypertension as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and glaucoma (secondary to diabetes) based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving in Korea, leading to presumptive service connection for diabetes. Glaucoma is considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to insufficient evidence of total disability.

The Veteran's daughter, J.N., is entitled to recognition as a helpless child due to her permanent incapacity for self-support caused by epilepsy and glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence of record and have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's glaucoma is related to service or his service-connected chalazion.