Glaucoma decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for traumatic glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataract with scotoma of the left eye was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, cataracts and glaucoma, and pancreatitis due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.,The veteran claimed he was first treated for diabetes at Westover Air Force Base in 1968/1969, but the medical records do not confirm this until November 1970.

The Board found that the appellant did not have any of the claimed conditions during service or within one year after separation, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's disabilities, including his service-connected eye disorders and bilateral hearing loss, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for glaucoma of the left eye and also denied his claim for service connection for glaucoma of the right eye. The evidence did not establish a nexus between the current diagnoses and service.

The Board has decided to further develop the evidence for the veteran's claim of service connection for glaucoma. The decision on the increased rating for hemorrhoids remains unchanged.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied due to his current disabilities not meeting the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's glaucoma in the right eye was not secondary to anatomical loss of the left eye and was not caused by VA hospital care or medical treatment. Therefore, the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and pilonidal cyst. The decision on glaucoma is based on a lack of evidence linking it to service, while the denial of the pilonidal cyst claim is due to the absence of new and material evidence since the 1947 RO decisions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing the VA with information about any other treatment he received.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for glaucoma and found that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA ophthalmology examination.

The Board has granted service connection for loss of vision and chronic blepharitis, finding that these conditions are related to service-connected disabilities. The gastrointestinal disorder claim is denied as there is no currently diagnosed or clinically demonstrated gastrointestinal disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for recoupment of his Special Separation Benefit (SSB) payment, finding that he cannot receive both VA disability compensation and SSB payments due to legal prohibition. The veteran was granted service connection for glaucoma in 1993 with a 10% disability rating, which later increased to 20%. The RO initially withheld his VA disability compensation as an offset against the SSB payment but resumed it after correcting the error.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, eye disorder including glaucoma, lung disorder, and a disorder of the left hip or side. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.