Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and cardiovascular disease as secondary to his service-connected syncope episodes, and for an increased rating for chronic bronchitis are well grounded. The case is being returned to the regional office for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, or endometriosis.

The Board found that the cause of death, coronary artery disease, was not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service or service-connected conditions. The veteran's entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was also denied as he did not meet the statutory duration requirements for a total disability rating.

The Board found no competent medical evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for bronchitis and residuals of a head injury. The claim for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids was also denied as there is no objective evidence showing persistent bleeding or secondary anemia.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between mustard gas exposure or tobacco use during service and his lung conditions.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the exception of a compensable evaluation for chronic bronchitis prior to August 29, 1994. The RO also granted service connection for rectocele with an effective date from February 19, 1993.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, bronchitis, and arthritis of the ankles and feet are not well-grounded as there is no competent medical evidence showing these conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bronchitis was granted, with a current evaluation of 30 percent. The claim for an increased (compensable) rating for sinusitis is still pending and requires further development.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for left knee disability, chronic bronchitis, and chronic sinusitis due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected bronchitis is rated at 30 percent, which is the highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bronchial asthma with bronchitis and hoarseness of the voice, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the old or new VA rating criteria. The veteran was also scheduled but failed to attend a VA examination for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right thigh.

The Board has denied the claims of service connection for sinusitis and bronchitis as they are not well-grounded based on lack of competent medical evidence showing current disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues are about service connection for cancer of the colon and residuals of mustard gas exposure, including bronchitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's major depression with mood congruent psychotic features warrants a 100 percent evaluation, while his chronic asthmatic bronchitis is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for pneumonia/bronchitis, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected low back strain with arthritis, bronchitis with mild pulmonary emphysema, and residuals of pharyngeal papilloma. The current ratings are 20 percent for low back strain with arthritis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis with sinusitis and colon polyps with carcinoma in situ, as well as his requests for increased evaluations for hemorrhoids and peptic ulcer disease. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.,No compensable ratings were assigned for the veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current respiratory disability to his active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including chronic lumbosacral strain and chronic bronchitis with pneumonia, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and hepatitis are not well grounded, as there is no evidence showing a plausible or capable of substantiation.