Glaucoma decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GAD and open angle glaucoma of the bilateral eyes have been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes mellitus. A new VA examination is also needed to assess the severity of his left knee disability.

The Veteran's bilateral open-angle glaucoma and postoperative left eye corneal transplant are both service-connected, with the glaucoma requiring continuous medication for treatment. The Veteran is granted a 10% evaluation for each condition.

The Veteran's eye disability, claimed as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment, is not presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's hypertension was also not presumed to be due to service or Agent Orange exposure. Service connection for both conditions was granted based on direct evidence of the disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma, GERD, and allergic rhinitis are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral eye disability resulting in vision loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current eye disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical disabilities, including dementia/memory loss, is established. As a result, he qualifies for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for A&A.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any sickle cell disease that may be present.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and glaucoma, as well as a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back disability prior to July 31, 2006, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disability from July 31, 2006.

The Veteran seeks service connection for glaucoma, which he claims was incurred during his second period of active duty. The Board has determined that a VA opinion is needed to determine the onset and progression of the Veteran's glaucoma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing and any further development as requested. The case will be returned to the Board after this.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board finds that Alzheimer's disease did not have its onset in service or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria, peptic ulcer disease, a cardiovascular disability (including heart disease and hypertension), rheumatoid arthritis, and an eye disability (including glaucoma and cataracts) are denied as there is no evidence of record supporting these conditions during or after active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted and rated at 50 percent effective October 25, 2007. The eye disorder issue has been resolved in favor of the Veteran, with residuals of pterygia surgery related to his military service resulting in current visual impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum schedular percentage requirements for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability.