Glaucoma Board decisions

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeal for service connection for low HDL levels, chronic disorder of the gums, bilateral eye disorder, to include glaucoma; and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for HTN from October 27, 2010. The claim for service connection for focal sensory peripheral neuropathy of the left medial thigh has been granted. However, the Veteran's HTN prior to October 27, 2010 is not compensable.

The Board has granted service connection for a right eye disability and bilateral upper and lower extremity disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the appellant's glaucoma was not incurred or aggravated in service, specifically during his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The evidence does not support a finding that the condition preexisted ACDUTRA and worsened beyond its natural progression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma is proximately caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have glaucoma and his eye disabilities are less likely than not incurred in service or caused by any in-service injury, event, or illness. The Veteran's cataracts were found to be due to aging and/or steroid use for unrelated medical conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board has also determined that the timely filing of substantive appeals on certain issues is not established.

The Veteran's service-connected left eye disability has been rated at 30 percent since January 2004. Effective June 20, 2017, the Veteran is now entitled to a 100 percent rating for his left eye disability due to bilateral blindness.

The Board finds that the Veteran's eye condition warranted a 40% rating effective June 16, 2010, as under VA regulations, since it is not factually ascertainable that the date of increase occurred within one year prior to the date the Veteran's claim was received.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development due to lack of notification letters and missing examination records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glaucoma had its onset during active duty and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for dry eye syndrome of bilateral lacrimal glands and denied service connection for a hernia disorder. The claim for service connection for glaucoma and cataracts is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new allegations that the Veteran's claimed disabilities may be related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Veteran's multiple disabilities, including his vision disorders and other health conditions, have resulted in him needing regular aid and attendance from another person since September 8, 2016. His income does not exceed the maximum annual pension rate for nonservice-connected disability pension.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to active military service. The Board also determined that glaucoma was not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for left eye disability remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining any outstanding records. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus will be evaluated again to determine if it requires insulin, restricted diet, or regulation of activities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left eye disabilities, including ocular hypertension, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence is against this claim.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to untimely filing of the substantive appeal.