Glaucoma decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts, ocular hypertension (versus glaucoma), and a neuropsychiatric condition as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The claim for an increased evaluation for hypertension was granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date of the rating decision was not addressed.

The Board found that service connection for ocular hypertension (claimed as glaucoma) is granted, and the rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was increased to 20 percent.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for glaucoma, and it was decided that the veteran's glaucoma is as likely as not incurred in active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected tension headaches and intermittent palsy of the left lateral rectus eye muscle, finding that neither condition warranted a higher evaluation based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the veteran with an eye examination and obtain medical opinions regarding whether his current glaucoma and cataracts are related to service.

The veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his multiple disabling conditions, which render him unable to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment on a regular basis.

The Board has determined that further development is required before the completion of appellate action, including providing notice to the veteran and his representative regarding their intent to appeal issues concerning right knee disability and glaucoma evaluations. The TDIU claim will be held in abeyance until these issues are resolved.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records, including visual field testing.

The veteran's Parkinson's Disease and Glaucoma were not addressed at the time of the February 1999 VA aid and attendance/housebound examination. The RO is required to obtain medical records from Dr. R A. Velez Arce, review the claims file for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, and provide a supplemental statement of the case if the benefit sought remains denied.

The Board has determined that the case should be remanded due to new legal requirements and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for glaucoma and cataract, finding that there was no evidence of treatment in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and rhinitis/hay fever. The decision also addressed a previous grant of service connection for rhinitis/hay fever.

The Board granted service connection for duodenal ulcer and disabilities of the eyes, including cataracts and glaucoma, due to mustard gas exposure. Service connection was denied for furunculosis, residuals of low back injury and ankylosing spondylitis, and residuals of rib fractures.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any current residuals from his inservice burns of the face and eyes, and therefore denied service connection for these conditions.