Glaucoma decisions — 2005

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for chronic atrial fibrillation and an initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral lattice degeneration and glaucoma are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of their presence during active duty or a link to his service-connected condition. The veteran's glaucoma was first diagnosed nearly 20 years after discharge.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and review of his claims, including service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an initial rating for right eye glaucoma.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for defective vision of the left eye was denied by the Board, as the current degree of disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ampullary carcinoma, glaucoma, and uveitis as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The claim for service connection for an eye disability (glaucoma and uveitis) was not addressed in the August 1976 rating decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and dental impairments are denied as there is no current disability. The claim for a higher initial evaluation for sinusitis is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was granted, with a 20 percent evaluation assigned. The other claims were denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right eye vision impairment and bilateral shoulder bursitis, require regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and glaucoma were not incurred during service or due to his service-connected hypertension. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, pigmentary glaucoma, hypertension, and myopia with exotropia due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service. The veteran's combined non-service-connected disability rating was found to be 80%.

The Board found that the veteran's loss of vision was due to natural progression of macular degeneration and chronic open-angle glaucoma, not caused by VA medical treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service or any exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus, and emphysema. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for glaucoma.

The Board dismissed the veteran's motions alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in various decisions regarding earlier effective dates for compensation and increased ratings.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to November 14, 2003 and in excess of 20 percent since November 14, 2003 for glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including glaucoma, arthritis of the left shoulder, hypertension, asthma, and lipomas of the thighs, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The appeal is granted.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service eye injury or event related to the current diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma, and thus denied service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and unclear opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claimed eye disorder and impotence.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and granted service connection for hypertension. The claims for chest pain disability, back disability, glaucoma, and rheumatoid arthritis are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's right eye glaucoma and cataracts are not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.