Glaucoma decisions — 2003

The Board denied service connection for esophageal carcinoma, foot condition or conditions, hand and left elbow conditions, and glaucoma due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed eye, cardiovascular, left inguinal hernia, left testicle disorder, and prostate disorders. The decision also denied a compensable evaluation for malaria.

The veteran's cataract and glaucoma in the left eye are not service-connected. However, his current glaucoma is linked to aging rather than the service-connected corneal scar with decreased vision in the left eye. The temporary total rating for convalescence from June 6, 1998 is denied.

The case is being remanded due to discrepancies in medical records and the need for further investigation of the veteran's glaucoma treatment.

The Board has found that the veteran's right eye glaucoma is related to service, and therefore granted service connection for this condition. The left eye glaucoma is being remanded as it may be secondary to the right eye glaucoma.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for open angle glaucoma and bilateral arm weakness as secondary to his service-connected sarcoidosis, and denied an increased rating for generalized sarcoidosis.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and whether the June 1981 rating action denying service connection for arthritis of the knees was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to insufficient notification and development.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The only granted claim was for hemorrhoids.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's bilateral glaucoma is a result of treatment received during service for his service-connected chronic sarcoidosis with iridocyclitis, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Board found that the veteran's left eye cataract with glaucoma does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent, as his visual acuity is only 20/400 best corrected and he has significant field loss. The RO should consider whether he is entitled to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(k) due to the severity of his disability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder due to Axenfeld's Syndrome with open angle glaucoma, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded for a VA examination to determine the severity and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain updated financial information and health condition details from the veteran. The overpayment amount may be adjusted based on this new information, and the waiver of recovery will then be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left eye cataract and right eye glaucoma were present at service entry, and there is no evidence of aggravation during service. Therefore, these conditions are not considered to be incurred in or aggravated by service.