Glaucoma decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and bilateral visual field loss, but has remanded the claim for glaucoma.

The Veteran's bilateral glaucoma is rated at 10 percent, effective November 30, 2021. The Board denied a higher rating.,Diabetes mellitus type II remains rated at 40 percent, effective November 30, 2021. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), both effective March 24, 2022.,Diabetic nephropathy is rated at 30 percent, effective November 30, 2021. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), both effective March 24, 2022.,Erectile dysfunction remains rated at noncompensable, effective November 30, 2021. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), both effective March 24, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral maculopathy, detached retina, glaucoma, and cataracts due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The claim for service connection for left eye glaucoma with epiretinal membrane and dry eye syndrome (claimed as left eye blindness) remains denied.

Your claim for service connection for bilateral glaucoma has been granted, and you are now receiving a 90% evaluation effective June 21, 2019. The appeal is dismissed as the issue is moot.

The Board has remanded four claims for service connection due to the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's dental implants, glaucoma, coronary arteriosclerosis, and seizure disorder are all being reviewed on their merits.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma as secondary to hypertension, finding that the Veteran's glaucoma is not related to his service-connected hypertension.

The appeal for service connection for hypertension is dismissed. The Veteran's bilateral eye condition, including keratoconus and glaucoma, is granted. The claim for an earlier effective date for the PTSD rating is denied as a matter of law. The claims for arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral pes planus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for stroke residuals. The evidence does not establish that his service-connected disabilities render him helpless or require regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision denying service connection for glaucoma is not final and requires further review due to procedural issues. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a new VA examination to address the relationship between his glaucoma and his in-service eye conditions, as well as whether it is related to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's eye disorder is not service-connected as it was diagnosed after service and there is no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of bilateral flat feet, and the Veteran has not provided sufficient medical evidence to support a claim for this issue.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet, as well as glaucoma. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right eye angle-recession glaucoma is granted service connection. The Veteran's left knee disability and post-surgery right knee disability are each granted separate ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5258 and 5260, with the latter being granted a higher rating of 60% effective October 21, 2022.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's eye disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to his failure to appear for VA examinations.