Glaucoma Board decisions

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent effective May 19, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating for GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic uveitis of the right eye and secondary glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of aid and attendance or housebound due to her disabilities, thus denying the claim for increased rate of dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or on being housebound.

The Veteran's nasal fracture disability is not rated as compensable, and his bilateral glaucoma was not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's glaucoma of the left eye is causally related to his period of service. As such, the claim for service connection for glaucoma of the left eye is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine has been granted. The claims for allergies, hearing loss, glaucoma, and rheumatoid arthritis and/or arthritis of the cervical spine, elbows, wrists, and hips have also been granted with appropriate ratings. Other claims were denied.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's left eye disorders, including open-angle glaucoma and decreased vision, to service or to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for pes planus of the left foot and reopened the claim for glaucoma. The Veteran's current pes planus is found to be related to his military service, while the issue of service connection for glaucoma remains pending as new evidence did not establish a medical nexus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether current right eye disability, including glaucoma, is related to in-service trauma. The Veteran's reports of such an incident will be considered.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for glaucoma and bilateral foot conditions was denied. However, his claim for service connection for a combined condition of bilateral pes planus with heel spurs, hallux valgus and hammer toes was granted effective June 15, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's right eye disorder, including retinal detachment and glaucoma, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his current condition is related to an injury sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's bilateral primary open angle glaucoma has been rated as 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a rating of 60 percent is warranted based on impairment of field vision.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional development. You will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for left eye optic neuropathy and glaucoma, finding that these conditions are secondary to a pre-existing chalazion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma of the left eye has been dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral glaucoma in both eyes.,Service connection was also established for right lower extremity radiculopathy, which is considered secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. However, the claim for left lower extremity radiculopathy and a bilateral pelvic and leg disability (claimed as numbness of the lower extremities) secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied.,The Board found that there was no separate additional disability relating to the pelvis or lower extremities beyond the currently service connected disabilities.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for glaucoma, effective from April 28, 2011.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU, as his disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's spouse has been diagnosed with several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, essential tremors, osteoarthritis requiring knee replacement and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the evidence shows she requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities.