Glaucoma and VA Disability

Glaucoma is one of the most common yet often overlooked eye conditions affecting veterans today. While it may not always receive the same attention as more visible disabilities, glaucoma can have a devastating impact on a veteran’s quality of life, leading to vision loss and even blindness. The good news is that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes glaucoma as a potentially service-connected condition, meaning veterans can qualify for disability benefits if it can be linked to their military service—either directly or indirectly.

Leah Bucholz explains how glaucoma can qualify for VA disability, the types of service connections that apply, what medical evidence is needed, and how the VA rates the condition.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve—the connection between the eye and the brain—often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and even total blindness.

There are several types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, developing slowly over time.

• Angle-closure glaucoma: Occurs suddenly and is often painful, requiring emergency care.

• Secondary glaucoma: Caused by another medical condition, trauma, or medication side effects.

One of the challenges with glaucoma is that it often progresses silently. Many people don’t notice any symptoms until their vision has already deteriorated.

Can Glaucoma Be Service-Connected?

Yes. Glaucoma can be service-connected directly, secondarily, or in rare cases, presumptively (due to toxic exposure). Veterans who are already rated for conditions like diabetes, traumatic brain injury (TBI), hypertension, or eye trauma may have a strong basis for a secondary service connection.

The VA grants service connection when there is a proven link between military service and the condition. This can happen in three ways:

1. Direct Service Connection: The condition began during or immediately after military service.

2. Secondary Service Connection: The condition was caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability.

3. Presumptive Service Connection: The condition is presumed to be related to a known exposure or situation during service (though rare for glaucoma).

Direct Service Connection for Glaucoma

To establish a direct service connection, three key elements must be proven:

1. A current diagnosis of glaucoma.

2. An in-service event, injury, or illness that could have caused or contributed to it.

3. A medical nexus linking the in-service event to the current diagnosis.

For example, a veteran who served in a sandy or dusty environment like Iraq or Afghanistan and frequently sought medical care for eye irritation could later be diagnosed with glaucoma. If service records show repeated eye problems or trauma, that may serve as a direct link.

Another common example is traumatic glaucoma—if a veteran sustained blunt eye or head trauma during training or combat, that trauma could directly cause glaucoma.

The “nexus” (or link) doesn’t necessarily have to come from a private doctor. The VA may order a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam where an examiner evaluates your medical history and service records to determine if there’s a connection.

Secondary Service Connection for Glaucoma

Many veterans successfully win their glaucoma claims through secondary service connection, meaning the condition developed because of another service-connected disability.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Type 2 diabetes (especially from Agent Orange exposure)

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Long-term steroid use (like prednisone for arthritis or asthma)

• Eye trauma (such as an orbital fracture)

• Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or sarcoidosis)

• Sleep apnea

• Medication side effects

Example:
A veteran with service-connected Type 2 diabetes later develops glaucoma. Medical literature shows that diabetics are twice as likely to develop glaucoma due to long-term damage to blood vessels in the eyes. If your doctor confirms that your diabetes caused or aggravated your glaucoma, that’s a strong secondary claim.

Similarly, a veteran with a service-connected TBI might develop glaucoma because brain injuries can alter pressure in the skull and affect optic nerve health. Medical studies support this link, making it another strong case for secondary service connection.

Using Medical Evidence and Literature

Medical evidence is one of the most powerful tools in a VA disability claim. It not only supports your case but also gives your doctor the scientific foundation to back up their opinion.

Here’s what research shows:

• Diabetes and Glaucoma: Diabetic veterans are twice as likely to develop glaucoma due to blood vessel damage and abnormal eye pressure.

• TBI and Glaucoma: Studies from military medicine link traumatic brain injuries to an increased risk of glaucoma through optic nerve stress.

• Steroid Use and Glaucoma: Long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone can cause steroid-induced glaucoma.

• Sleep Apnea and Glaucoma: Reduced oxygen flow to the optic nerve raises the risk of glaucoma significantly.

If your doctor cites these studies in their medical opinion, it can strengthen your case considerably.

How the VA Rates Glaucoma

The VA rates glaucoma under 38 CFR § 4.79, which covers eye conditions. Ratings depend on the level of vision impairment, visual field loss, and optic nerve damage.

The rating scale typically ranges from 10% to 100%, depending on the severity:

• 10% to 30%: Mild vision or field loss.

• 40% to 60%: Moderate loss or serious optic nerve damage.

• 70% to 100%: Severe vision loss or legal blindness.

Veterans who are legally blind or have both eyes affected may also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) due to the additional hardships caused by visual impairment.

What to Expect During the VA C&P Exam

When filing a glaucoma claim, the VA will likely schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. During this exam, the VA examiner may:

• Measure your eye pressure.

• Test your visual acuity and peripheral vision.

• Review your medical and service records.

• Assess any relationship between your glaucoma and service-related conditions.

You can bring your own optometrist or ophthalmologist reports to the exam. This ensures that all the relevant details of your diagnosis and treatment are on record.

Tips for Filing a Strong Glaucoma Claim

1. Get a clear diagnosis from your eye doctor or ophthalmologist.

2. Collect service records showing eye injuries, trauma, or exposure.

3. Include treatment records for conditions like diabetes, TBI, or hypertension.

4. Ask your doctor for a nexus letter linking glaucoma to your service or other conditions.

5. Submit medical literature supporting your claim (especially for secondary service connections).

6. Consult a VSO, attorney, or accredited claims agent if you need help appealing or gathering documentation.

Even a short letter from your doctor—something as simple as “In my medical opinion, the veteran’s service-connected diabetes caused or aggravated his glaucoma”—can be enough to help secure benefits if it’s backed by medical reasoning.

Final Thoughts

Glaucoma is a serious but often silent condition that can significantly impact a veteran’s life. Fortunately, the VA recognizes glaucoma as a compensable disability when connected to military service or another service-related condition. By gathering strong medical evidence, understanding the connection types, and knowing how the VA rates glaucoma, veterans can improve their chances of receiving the benefits they deserve.

If your claim has been denied or you’re unsure where to start, working with an accredited Veterans Service Officer or disability attorney can make a big difference. The key is preparation, persistence, and proper documentation.

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At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.