The Veteran's claim for a respiratory condition due to a positive PPD test is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is also denied. For the period prior to November 14, 2017, the claim for a 20 percent rating for glaucoma is granted. For the period from November 14, 2017, the claim for a 30 percent rating for glaucoma is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied.
The deciding factor: The positive PPD test was not associated with an underlying respiratory condition and there is no evidence of tuberculosis or other related respiratory disability. Diabetes mellitus has been managed by oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin, and a restricted diet without requiring regulation of activities. Glaucoma for the period prior to November 14, 2017, was productive of visual fields within acceptable limits without incapacitating episodes. For the period from November 14, 2017, glaucoma resulted in decreased visual acuity and required a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus, Glaucoma, Hemorrhoids, Respiratory Disorder (Positive PPD Test)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19138769
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,062 · Granted: 34% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19138769.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected glaucoma has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment on an extra-schedular basis, effective September 1, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
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