Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2006

The Board denied an increased rating for chronic bronchitis, finding that the veteran's pulmonary function tests did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The VA granted an initial 10 percent rating for chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis effective July 30, 2004. The veteran's service connection claim for chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic sinusitis was denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient evidence to decide the claims, including whether his current respiratory conditions are related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and medical records from a VA facility in San Jose. The case will be reviewed again after these documents are added to the file.

The Board denied service connection for a skin rash and bronchitis, and refused to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and a rating in excess of 30 percent for bronchitis with bronchiectasis. The veteran's claims were remanded to obtain additional evidence, but the case is being returned due to new information provided by the veteran.

The Board denied service connection for liver damage due to INH therapy, chronic respiratory disorder (bronchitis), acromioclavicular degenerative changes of the left shoulder, and temporomandibular joint syndrome. The decision is considered final as there was no clear and unmistakable error.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from April 1, 2004 to April 6, 2004 was denied as he did not meet the statutory requirements for payment under VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected pulmonary emphysema with history of asthmatic bronchitis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence, specifically PFTs including DLCO (SB).

The veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis are being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and consideration of all evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's lung condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran does not have obstructive pulmonary disease/airway disease/asthma/bronchitis that is attributable to his period of military service. The Board finds that the current evidence does not establish a link between any current respiratory disorder and service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran is seeking service connection for chronic lung disease, including COPD, bronchitis and asthma. The case has been remanded to provide a pulmonary examination that includes an opinion on the relationship between current lung conditions and his in-service spontaneous pneumothorax.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for residuals of right hand trauma, residuals of a fracture of the right thumb, residuals of an injury to the right 5th and 6th ribs, bursitis of the left elbow, or bronchitis. However, the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right thumb due to in-service injury.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The veteran's service-connected reactive airway disease with recurrent bronchitis was rated at 10 percent from January 3, 1997 to December 21, 2000 and at 30 percent thereafter. The rating for carpal tunnel syndrome with scar, right wrist is also 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disability, left knee condition, bronchitis, ulcer, hypertension, and cardiac condition. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for a skin condition and bronchitis, as well as his claim for an annual clothing allowance, are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper notice.

The Board has found that the veteran's current right knee disorder is etiologically related to service, granting service connection for this condition.