Glaucoma Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of exposure to Agent Orange in the Korean DMZ, and therefore, service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine and right knee internal derangement and arthroscopic surgery have been granted a rating in excess of 20 percent. The left knee scar has not met criteria for a compensable evaluation. The open angle glaucoma with toxic keratopathy of both eyes remains at an initial 10 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral eye disorders, including pseudophakia, glaucoma, retinal tear, and cataracts, are not causally or etiologically related to his in-service exposure to excessive sunlight. The Board determined that service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as they do not meet the criteria of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for arterial hypertension is moot due to its grant. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, PTSD, and allergic rhinitis have all been found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, and cervical muscle strain were granted. The remaining claims were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, to include glaucoma, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral open angle glaucoma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that there is no evidence of an exceptional or unusual disability picture with related factors of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that renders application of the current rating criteria impractical. Therefore, a higher rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the symptoms associated with his service-connected left eye disability, including visual acuity and whether watery eyes and light sensitivity are related.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cerebrovascular accident and glaucoma.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, including as due to his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the etiology of the Veteran's vision disability, including open angle glaucoma. The Veteran is encouraged to contact a VA provider who ascribed his glaucoma to an in-service eye injury and request that opinion be provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's iridodialysis of the right eye with glaucoma and photophobia is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes or visual impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete development. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and asthma have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an in-service incident or event related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing open angle glaucoma was aggravated by his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination. The examiner will clarify diagnoses associated with the Veteran's eyes and determine whether separate compensable ratings are warranted for bilateral dry macular degeneration.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and open angle glaucoma has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The claims for service connection for asthma, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, enlarged prostate, and GERD have all been denied due to the lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's statements regarding his conditions are considered cumulative.