Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar strain, left shoulder disorder, and chronic headaches are service-connected. The respiratory, sinus, and knee disorders have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's conditions, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, are service-connected for wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, and neck disabilities. The right knee disability is also service-connected. However, the veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome or asthmatic bronchitis.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including pseudofolliculitis barbae, defective vision, sleep apnea, pes planus, high pulse rate, asthma with bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, myofascial pain syndrome of the right shoulder, myofascial pain syndrome of the left shoulder, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The Board found that new evidence was needed to support these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and chronic bronchitis, both secondary to asbestos exposure during his military service. The denial is based on conflicting medical opinions regarding the presence of these conditions.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, hemorrhoids, and a cardiovascular disorder to include hypertension. The case is being remanded due to the veteran not reporting to his requested hearing.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Board finds that the veteran's current lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and COPD, are not related to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of residuals from pneumonia or any other condition during service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of syphilis and bronchitis, finding no current evidence of these conditions. The veteran's current respiratory problems are attributed to smoking rather than his service.

The Board denied service connection for bronchitis and obstructive sleep apnea, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service. The veteran's current diagnoses were first noted years after discharge.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including bronchitis. The claim is now reopened.

The Board has determined that the appellant had chronic bronchitis in service and currently has a current diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. The medical evidence supports the finding that the current condition is related to the in-service findings, thus granting service connection for bronchitis.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to correct VCAA notice deficiencies.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied Dependents' Educational Assistance. The Board found that neither lobar pneumonia nor chronic bronchitis were present in service, and there was no evidence showing a service-connected disability caused or contributed to the veteran's death.

The veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis is now rated at the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent, reflecting its severe impairment.

The VA has remanded the case due to an inadequate pulmonary study report, and a new evaluation is needed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis does not warrant a compensable rating based on current pulmonary function test results.

The veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The veteran's cause of death is found to be service-connected due to his pre-existing bronchitis, which was a significant contributory cause.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bronchitis, and hearing loss. Service connection was granted for tinnitus based on in-service noise exposure.

The Board found that the appellant's hearing loss, bronchitis, and skin disorder were not incurred in service or related to service. The VA denied these claims.