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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19138769
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,062 · Granted: 34% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19138769.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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