Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2005

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, with the exception of a gynecological disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for aching joints and chronic bronchitis, finding that these conditions are not related to an undiagnosed illness due to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his hepatitis B is not manifested by symptoms warranting a compensable rating under either the former or revised rating criteria. The issues of nicotine addiction and bronchitis with chronic cough were also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disorder and undiagnosed illness claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and an increased rating for his right lower extremity disability. The RO previously denied these claims in August 1992, but new evidence received since then did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim for bronchitis.

The Board found that the veteran's neck disorder, left shoulder disorder, and bronchitis are not service-connected. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its connection to his military service. The veteran will need to provide medical records from VA facilities, private doctors, and Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if the veteran's bronchitis is related to service, particularly due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema are not service-connected, as they were not caused by or related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's current respiratory disorders were not caused by an in-service disease or injury, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and medical records from VA or non-VA providers.

The Board found that the veteran's bronchitis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection. The increased evaluation for hiatal hernia was also denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The compensable evaluation for sinusitis was also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and bronchitis, including as secondary to nicotine dependence or tobacco use, and for a back disorder. The claim of service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded.