Glaucoma decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral open angle glaucoma, hypertension, and headaches due to inadequate medical opinions in the May 2013 VA examination report. The new examinations are needed to address whether these conditions may be caused or aggravated by corticosteroid treatments for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of left ear hearing loss and left eye glaucoma for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for an eye disability, to include blepharitis and glaucoma, as a result of exposure to herbicides. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, esophageal constriction, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection was denied for face peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts, to specifically include as secondary to hepatitis C. The case is being returned for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for cervical neck/spine disability, right foot disability, and right shoulder disability. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine DJD remains denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 12, 2016 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMP) based on aid and attendance due to the appellant's disability level being established by her September 2016 claim.

The Veteran's current benign prostate hypertrophy, hypertension, and other conditions are not service-connected as they did not have their onset in active military service or for many years thereafter, nor is it shown to be related to such service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye condition, including poor eyesight, is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left eye disability, to include glaucoma, and residuals of stroke due to unclear etiology and lack of medical records. The appellant's TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right eye disability, including central retinal vein occlusion and neovascular glaucoma, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an eye disability, including glaucoma and/or service connection for an eye disability as secondary to service-connected disability. The claims of entitlement to service connection for acid reflux, a right wrist disorder, sinusitis, and fibromyalgia are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was partially granted with a 70% rating from January 12, 2017 to March 27, 2019 and a 100% rating beginning March 28, 2019. Other claims remain pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, left upper extremity disorder, right-hand disorder, lumbar spine disorder, glaucoma, and cervical spondylosis at C6-C7 due to additional evidence being added to the Veteran's file.

The Veteran's right eye glaucoma, dislocated intraocular lens, and macular hole, status post macular hole repair are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's left eye retinal tear and pseudophakia are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's headache disability remains pending for further review.