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SC was for both eyes at time of discharge but only had treatment in service for one eye but was noted that both eyes were a problem ie blurry vision, redness and unable to read for long periods. Due to the surgery on the right eye twice the scarring has caused "astigmatism" eye looks like the shape of a football when photos were taken. This eye is basically going to be gone due to the astigmatism and pterygium which cannot be removed at this point as it is on the cornea. Eye exam in 2010 notes: Pterygium BE, s/p pterygium surgery with iron line deposit, corneal scarring & irregular astigmatism RE > LE, s/p PTK RE for stromal scar. Further states in "Assessment" 1. refractive error/presbyopia 2. diabetes with no retinopathy BE 3. choroidal nevi LE 4. mild cataracts BE 5. pterygium BE, s/p surgical removal with persistent corneal scarring and irregular astigmatism, h/o inability to adapt to contact lens wear Slit lamp & external eye exam cornea: marked other, describe: pterygium RE, surface irregularity LE. Lens: describe: ant cortical opacities BE C&P exam 2012 under "Corneal conditions" Does the veteran have another corneal condition that may result in an irregular cornea? (Fore example, pellucid marginal degeneration, irregular astigmatism from corneal scar, post-laser refractive surgery, acne rosacea keratopathy, etc.) Dr. says "NO". Previous notes from 2010 exam states other wise. Next page of questions in C&P under cataract condition: "Preoperative (cataract is present) which is marked for BE then, it says : Is the Veteran's decrease in visual acuity or other visual impairment, if present, attributable to any of the eye conditions checked above in this section he says no. If no, explain: decrease due to high astigmatism. (I understand this to mean Cataract condition does not cause astigmatism). Next page under "Functional impact" ... impact his/her ability to work? Dr. marked "YES" If yes, describe impact: "HIs borderline vision would limit him for many occupations". Remarks if any: Cataracts are likely due to diabetes which has a high prevalence of cataracts. Visual acuity: 20/200 RE, 20/100 LE (UC distance), UC near 5/200 RE, 5/200 LE, CD 20/50 RE, 20/40 LE, CN 20/100 RE, 20/70 LE. Since, the reduction is being reviewed does this mean that the CUE "they found" before is now reversed and their own findings were wrong when they said it was a CUE??? As for the "Boots on the Ground" ship is not listed as of yet. I have been put on the AO list, had the exam etc but nothing more. When I went to file for this lastest C&P exam VA rep told me that my claim for AO exposure was denied before and it was a "dead issue". I can remember being able to see soldiers on the shore firing at our ship so we had to have been pretty close. Going for a IMO in two weeks.

Just had my C&P reduced from 40% to 20% stating my sight got better. Have had surgery on this SC issue twice. I was totally stunned by this result. I entered the Navy in 72 with perfect sight then upon discharge had change in vision along with pterygium in one eye. Noted in records as SC but no compensation awarded when discharged as it stated it was not warranted. Now, fast forward to 85 had surgery on right eye to remove pterygium and now have another growing in left eye. Now to 2004 had surgery on left eye for pterygium that was causing problems with cornea nothing more can be done to right eye as the astigmatism, cornea scarring cannot be fixed. Now 2005 found old service records stating my SC so I filed then for C&P and was awarded 10%, then re-applied in 2007 for increase they found previous ruling was a CUE awarded 40%. Now applied for increase in 2010 nothing given as things were slightly better. Now 2012 I applied yet again for increase and they reduced my award from 40% to 20% stating vision is better. How can they reduce it? Vision is still bad cannot read small print have to have wife or someone else read for me. Cannot drive at night since I cannot see the signs or markings on the road. I can drive during the day if the weather is good. If it rains my vision is extremely impaired. The cornea is wrinkled on both eyes and astigmatism is on both eyes now as well. Only have 60 days for rebuttal and I am extremely upset at this development. Eyes are not gonna get better unless I have a transplant and there is no guarantee that it will take and with diabetes it is even more risky. Diabetes SC has been denied with the "Boots on the ground" issue even though I was in the gulf of tonkin. Hearing is also, SC but not severe enough yet to get compensation. What is the best way to fight this...if attorney is needed any suggestions on who to get in Calif. Thanks

Just had my C&P reduced from 40% to 20% stating my sight got better. Have had surgery on this SC issue twice. I was totally stunned by this result. I entered the service in 72 with perfect sight then upon discharge had change in vision along with pterygium in one eye. Noted in records as SC but no compensation awarded when discharged as it stated it was not warranted. Now, fast forward to 85 had surgery on right eye to remove pterygium and now have another growing in left eye. Now to 2004 had surgery on left eye for pterygium that was causing problems with cornea nothing more can be done to right eye as the astigmatism, cornea scarring cannot be fixed. Now 2005 found old service records stating my SC so I filed then for C&P and was awarded 10%, then re-applied in 2007 for increase they found previous ruling was a CUE awarded 40%. Now applied for increase in 2010 nothing given as things were slightly better. Now I applied yet again for increase and they reduced my award from 40% to 20% stating vision is better. How can they reduce it? Vision is still bad cannot read small print have to have wife or someone else read for me. Cannot drive at night since I cannot see the signs or markings on the road. I can drive during the day if the weather is good. If it rains my vision is extremely impaired. The cornea is wrinkled on both eyes and astigmatism is on both eyes now as well. Should I get an attorney to fight this or should I just try to do it myself? Only have 60 days for rebuttal and I am extremely upset at this development. Eyes are not gonna get better unless I have a transplant and there is no guarantee that it will take and with diabetes it is even more risky. Diabetes SC has been denied with the "Boots on the ground" issue even though I was in the gulf of tonkin. Hearing is also, SC but not severe enough yet to get compensation. What is the best way to fight this...if attorney is needed any suggestions on who to get in Calif. Thanks

My husband had a C&P exam for his eyes in Feb. for service connected ptergyium. The Dr. examined him and told him his eyes were worse. We rec'd his decision the other day and an increase was denied. We went to the VA to get a copy of the C&P report as we were confused by the Dr. stating his eyes were worse but in the letter from decision board said his sight was a little better. When we went to the VA to get the report there was no record of it in the computer. I called the C&P department and they told us that the report was in the Denver office waiting to be reviewed for decision. I told the lady that a decision had already been made and it was denied. We were told to call back on Monday to talk with a supervisor to get a copy of the report. We are confused as to what we are suppose to do now....do we go see a VA rep, refile the claim, call the Denver center and ask questions or what???? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

My father is 100% for Asbestosis (Navy). Recently, he was admitted to hospital with Bronchial pneumonia had a fever of 104 went to local hospital. This was at 8:00 pm at night. He was hospitalized for 5 days. Upon, release he was given RX for breathing medication to keep his lungs open and help with his breathing. The RX was expensive and he paid out of pocket. My question is can he get reimbursement for the med's he had to pay out of pocket by the VA. Another, question is what does he do on a weekend if he needs medical attention. He lives in small town and the VA clinic has a long wait to see DR. He took the RX to VA clinic and they told him he had to see DR. before he could get VA to pay for it. What do you do when you need the RX immediately, you have to wait up to 2 weeks to see DR at VA and on a weekend. He has had to go to ER a few times but has a battle to get bills paid by VA. He applied for a "hard ship card" beings he lives in a rural area but they denied him (not sure why). What is his best option since I am sure he will have other problems in the future when he will not be able to see a VA DR. in a timely manner. He lives 1.5 hrs away from the nearest VA hospital and clinic is only open Mon-Fri.