Glaucoma decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore, his claims are denied.

Service connection was denied for the veteran's bilateral eye disability, left inguinal hernia, left testicle disorder, prostate disorder, and presumed cardiovascular disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The veteran's claims for service connection were not granted as there is no medical evidence suggesting that any of these disabilities originated in service or are otherwise causally related to his military service.,Service connection was denied for the left inguinal hernia, left testicle disorder, and prostate disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The cardiovascular disability (presumed arteriosclerosis) is not compensable under VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development of his hearing loss and glaucoma claims, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting new examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, including chronic fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, respiratory problems, heart disorder, gastrointestinal disorders, weight fluctuation and metabolic disorder, eye disorders, a cyst on the left testicle, and headaches. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the veteran's glaucoma was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition as secondary to his diabetes.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's left maxillary nerve injury residuals. The issues regarding evaluations for his bilateral glaucoma and right eye cataract were remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current throat, eye, nasal, neck, or low back disability for which service connection can be granted based on direct evidence. The available medical records do not show any nexus between his military service and these disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's left eye disorders, including glaucoma, myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, are refractive errors and not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a superimposed disease or injury.

The veteran's bilateral glaucoma does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as his corrected visual acuity is not worse than 20/40 bilaterally or average concentric contraction to be worse than between 45 and 60 degrees bilaterally.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral glaucoma in August 1982, finding no evidence of the condition during or prior to service. The veteran's motion argued that presumptive service connection should have been granted due to his diagnosis within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have myalgia of the back muscles, but service connection is granted for glaucoma as it developed during active duty.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of glaucoma was denied as there is no indication that he filed a claim to reopen his previous denial in August 1982.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if any chronic acquired right eye disabilities are related to service and whether they have increased in severity beyond their natural progression secondary to the veteran's service-connected right corneal scarring.