Glaucoma decisions — 2003

The veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of a head injury, which he claims includes glaucoma. The case has been remanded due to the need to obtain private treatment records and ensure full compliance with notification requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder bursitis, postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, and left eye glaucoma.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for glaucoma and hiatal hernia, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral glaucoma, finding that his conditions did not warrant a compensable rating.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for schizophrenia and special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status were denied due to his failure without good cause to report for necessary VA examinations.

The veteran's dysthymia is rated at a noncompensable (0%) level, and his service-connected right eye disorder with uveitis and glaucoma is currently rated at 30%.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including examinations for glaucoma, right shoulder disorder, and right cheek laceration scar. The appeal is currently pending due to ongoing administrative issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for bilateral pseudoaphakia and glaucoma, finding that his visual acuity has improved over time but remains below the threshold for a higher rating.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and evidence. The appeal is currently remanded for additional development.

The veteran's loss of vision in the left eye following surgery at VA is denied as not due to negligence or lack of proper skill on the part of VA.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a pulmonary disorder, glaucoma with cataracts, and erectile dysfunction. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the veteran's participation in Project SHAD.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Board denied service connection for ocular hypertension of the left eye and esotropia of the right eye, but granted reopening of a claim for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder. The issue of an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for loss of right eye vision, including a cataract, residuals of retinal detachment, and glaucoma. The criteria for such service connection have been met or approximated.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for obtaining records from VA and non-VA health care providers who have treated the veteran for left eye disability during the specified period.