Glaucoma decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for bilateral glaucoma (claimed as blindness) due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's glaucoma rating was reduced from 20% to 0%, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the 20% rating.

The Veteran's left eye incomplete central retinal vein occlusion is currently rated as noncompensable under the old VA rating criteria. The Board has determined that an additional VA examination and review of records are necessary to determine if a compensable rating can be assigned based on the current severity of his conditions, including glaucoma suspect left eye.

The Board has decided the issues of service connection for an enlarged heart and glaucoma, as well as other claims. The case is being remanded to provide a supplemental statement of the case on several pending issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are rated less than 60% combined and none exceed 40%. The Board finds that his service-connected conditions alone do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left eye glaucoma and chorioretinal scar is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination. Additionally, the earlier effective date claim related to the August 2010 rating decision is improper.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's claim for an eye disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral eye condition, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his active duty service.