Service connection for glaucoma is granted.,Service connection for right and left ankle disorders are denied.,An initial 10% rating, but not higher, for meralgia paresthetica of the right lower extremity (secondary to service-connected lumbar strain) is granted from April 7, 2009.,An initial 10% rating, but not higher, for meralgia paresthetica of the left lower extremity (secondary to service-connected lumbar strain) is granted from April 7, 2009. A rating in excess of 20% for meralgia paresthetica of the left lower extremity (secondary to service-connected lumbar strain) from November 30, 2012 is denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's glaucoma began during his period of active duty service and was diagnosed in April 1982. The VA examiner opined that the glaucoma manifested during AD years.,A chronic right ankle disorder, including degenerative changes, was not manifested during the Veteran’s active duty service or within the first post-service year and it is not shown to be related to his service.,A chronic left ankle disorder, including degenerative changes, was not manifested during the Veteran’s active duty service or within the first post-service year and it is not shown to be related to his service.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Glaucoma"}, {"condition_name":"Right Ankle Disorder (including degenerative changes)"}, {"condition_name":"Left Ankle Disorder (including degenerative changes)"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

April 16, 2019

Citation

19129575