Glaucoma Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service and insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between any current eye disorders and his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye ptosis is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that there are other diagnosed eye disorders (hypertensive retinopathy, cataracts, suspect glaucoma, dry-eye syndrome vs. punctual obstruction) that may be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Dry Eye Syndrome is granted. However, the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to grant service connection for Bell's Palsy as secondary to his Dry Eye Syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of factual and medical evidence, including obtaining VA treatment records and private treatment records. The issues on appeal are related to service connection for glaucoma, cataracts, neck cramps, migraine headaches, and a left shoulder disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from a private optometrist and verifying the Veteran's period of Army Reserve service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's glaucoma is related to his in-service eye problems and whether his service-connected left pterygium and right pingueculae caused or aggravated his glaucoma. Additionally, a new VA audiological examination should be provided to assess the current level of severity of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and prurigo nodularis, but denied these claims on their merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing officer's retirement and requests for another hearing. The issues of service connection for hypertension, headaches, and glaucoma are referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and difficulty in understanding complex commands. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma and bilateral cataracts are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, a back disability, and glaucoma have been denied as there is no credible evidence to support the assertions that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's NODs to the April 2012 rating decision regarding service connection for glaucoma, enlarged prostate, and low testosterone are valid. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions remain pending.

The Veteran's eye disorders, specifically bilateral cataracts and glaucoma suspect, are not considered service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service or any presumptive conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for paranoid schizophrenia and assigned an initial 70 percent rating, effective August 14, 2011. The Veteran's other claims were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is for increased ratings for glaucoma of the left eye with cataract. The Board has identified clear and unmistakable error in a prior rating decision, which must be corrected by the AMC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on April 17, 2009 and May 7, 2009 do not meet the criteria for payment or reimbursement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 due to lack of emergency treatment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection claims and rating disputes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left eye disability, including glaucoma, attributable to his military service and specifically the basketball-related injury he sustained during his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder, sleep apnea, and hearing loss in the right ear were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking any current diagnoses to military service.