Glaucoma decisions — 2005

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against finding that aortic stenosis and glaucoma are caused or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or any other service-connected disability. Therefore, both claims for secondary service connection were denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 30, 2002 for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected traumatic cataract and absolute glaucoma in both eyes, along with special monthly compensation on account of blindness without light perception.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and compliance with VCAA requirements. The claim for special monthly compensation is also being remanded.

The veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability, including as a result of mustard gas exposure during service, is being remanded for further development and examination.

The Board found that the veteran's left eye glaucoma and decreased vision were not caused by VA treatment, thus denying his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the veteran's hyperpigmentation of the left forearm with associated pruritus is related to service exposure to mustard gas, and granted service connection for this condition. The eye disorder claim was denied as there was no evidence linking it to mustard gas exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee arthritis and glaucoma, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing technology malfunction, and the veteran is scheduled for either an in-person or videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing amblyopia ex anopsia existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for vision disorder claimed as amblyopia ex anopsia was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, while his variously diagnosed eye disorders are not.

The Board found that the veteran's current eye conditions, including pars planitis, glaucoma, and cataracts, were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The claim was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's glaucoma and ocular hypertension are not related to his service or to medication for his service-connected blepharoconjunctivitis, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for mixed personality disorder. The claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, PTSD, and glaucoma is denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions and they are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to her mobility, independence in daily living activities, and lack of visual impairment or blindness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left eye injury, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability. The decision found that new evidence did not present or submit material evidence to reopen the claim for residuals of an eye injury.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to the lack of additional disability in the right eye post-surgery, as established by the March 1996 rating decision. The case is therefore denied.

The veteran is granted an effective date of January 9, 1992 for his grant of service connection for bilateral glaucoma. He is also granted a higher rating from September 7, 2001 onwards.

The veteran's service-connected glaucoma is currently manifested by severe concentric contraction of the visual field, resulting in visual acuity impairment equivalent to 20/200 in the left eye and 20/100 in the right eye. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected glaucoma have not been met.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disability, including cataract removal and glaucoma. The case is remanded for further development of military treatment records and an examination by a VA ophthalmologist.