Glaucoma Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for additional SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities other than glaucoma and blindness is denied. The Board found that his disabilities, including depressive disorder, peripheral vestibular disorder (vertigo), tinnitus, and chronic otitis externa, do not independently meet the criteria for regular need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's primary, open-angle glaucoma and right wrist strain were evaluated. The rating for the glaucoma was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or visual impairment. The rating for the right wrist strain was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on the claims. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral open angle glaucoma, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to her in-service PRK surgery and related steroid medication.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and glaucoma, finding that the disorders are related to military service. Sleep apnea is secondary to a service-connected disability, while glaucoma had its onset during active duty.

The Veteran's open angle glaucoma is found to be at least as likely caused by his service-connected hypertension, and the claim for secondary service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for right eye retinal scar and traumatic glaucoma, as there are inconsistencies in previous medical opinions and need for further clarification regarding the onset of these conditions during service.

The Veteran's glaucoma disability rating has been increased to 70 percent, but the appeal is still pending as he must elect to continue in the Legacy Appeal System or opt into the AMA system.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts and diabetic retinopathy/glaucoma are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and left upper extremity as proximately due to diabetes mellitus, type II are granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to decide whether the Veteran's glaucoma was incurred in service or related to his service-connected hypertension. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 due to an alleged missing Notice of Disagreement (NOD) filed in January 2016, which was sent in response to a notification letter dated October 2015.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, glaucoma, sleep apnea, and prostate cancer residuals. The claim for headaches (migraines) is being remanded.,There was no current diagnosis of a lumbar spine disability at any relevant time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied due to a lack of current diagnoses.,The Veteran has withdrawn her claims for right pretibial edema, hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, difficulty swallowing, and left eye cornea scarring.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current disability of headaches is directly related to his active service, thus meeting all three elements of a direct service connection claim (existence of a current disability, in-service event or injury, and medical nexus). The issue of service connection for glaucoma remains on appeal as it was not examined by VA due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication of the appellant's claims for accrued benefits due to her testimony regarding good cause. The Veteran had pending service connection claims at the time of his death.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma as the Veteran's treatment records do not show an in-service head or eye injury, and his diagnosis of glaucoma is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's worsening vision in his right eye after a VA surgery was not due to negligence or unforeseeable events, and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection regarding glaucoma and bilateral cataracts has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bronchitis, finding no current disability in either case. The claim for glaucoma is remanded due to inadequate examination.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) claim is also remanded as there was insufficient evidence provided by the VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the VA decision on appeal is flawed due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to his service. The claims are being remanded for further development.