Glaucoma decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been granted an initial 50 percent rating, effective December 21, 2018. The Board has also remanded several other issues for further development.

The Board has denied reopening the Veteran's claims for glaucoma and iris atrophy, left eye; a left eye disability; and headaches. The evidence submitted was found to be new but not material in relation to the issues on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluations and service connection, except for the claim seeking to reopen a claim for glaucoma (also claimed as cataracts). The other claims have been dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, eye disorder, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or service connection.,Service connection for cerebrovascular accident was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, hypertension, and eye disability have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo has been remanded as an examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current peripheral vestibular disorder.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a migraine disability has been remanded as an examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current headache condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been remanded as an examination is needed to determine if he meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral eye disorder as secondary to the service-connected hypertension and/or headaches, and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral ocular hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral glaucoma, a compensable rating for chloracne, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for type II diabetes mellitus. The denial was based on lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart condition, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and eye disorder due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye condition claimed as glaucoma, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and/or hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right foot disability, left eye disability (glaucoma), and stomach disability. The left foot disability claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating effective May 2, 2005. The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance was granted effective April 3, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected pigment dispersion glaucoma is dismissed as the RO has already severed service connection from the date of initial grant. The issue of severance of service connection remains unresolved and must be remanded.

The Board denied service connection for impaired vision, finding that the Veteran's recent diagnoses of nuclear sclerosis and glaucoma are not related to his military service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals seeking initial compensable ratings for various conditions have been dismissed. Appeals for higher ratings on some issues are still pending.