Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim seeking service connection for chronic bronchitis, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and ankle disorders, but denied service connection for bronchitis. The veteran's left knee and ankle issues are considered new and material evidence since the 1995 denial.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and for residuals of bilateral ankle stress fractures and residuals of a head injury, finding no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, residuals of an injury to the right posterior tibial nerve, and chronic bronchitis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a greater than 10 percent evaluation for any condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU. The claim of service connection for hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in service.

The VA denied the claim for an increased disability rating for bronchitis, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic bronchitis-bronchial asthma and a retroactive effective date. The Board has determined that the appeal should be remanded to determine if the veteran wishes to pursue these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis secondary to tobacco use during military service, finding no evidence of current disability and insufficient medical evidence linking any lung disorder to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis with recurrent pneumonia, finding that his current respiratory disability was not related to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected catarrhal bronchitis does not warrant an increased evaluation, as it is currently productive of only a very mild restrictive ventilatory defect.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and other lung disease, a kidney disorder, and stomach infection. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various disabilities, including musculoskeletal issues of the ankles, knees, hips, wrists, arms, shoulders, and spine; bilateral foot disability; right eye disability; and fibrocystic breast disease. The decision is based on a finding that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bronchitis and arthritis of the knees and spine, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The VA determined that the veteran's chronic bronchitis did not warrant a compensable rating, as his pulmonary function tests showed mild impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence of chronic conditions during active service or due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected lower left lobectomy for bronchiectasis with asthmatic bronchitis, maintaining the current 30 percent rating.

The veteran's service-connected pulmonary embolus, alone and without considering other conditions, resulted in mild respiratory impairment. Therefore, a 10 percent evaluation is granted for the purpose of accrued benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for urinary spasticity and a compensable disability evaluation for bronchitis. The veteran did not have a current urologic or pulmonary disability, and her symptoms were attributed to other causes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation by reason of need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.