Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2006

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder, specifically chronic bronchitis. However, after reviewing all available medical records, including VA and private treatment records, the Board determined there was no evidence linking any current respiratory disability to service or any incident during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for sarcoidosis, refractive error (claimed as poor eyesight), asthma, bronchitis, bursitis of the left shoulder, mood disorder due to sarcoidosis and depression, rash, and hypertension are not established by the evidence of record. The conditions were either not caused by service or have no relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic bronchitis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The current 60 percent disability rating is denied.

The veteran's claims for gastrointestinal, respiratory (bronchitis), and low back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his National Guard service records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for emphysema, bronchitis, anemia, and heart disorder based on radiation exposure during service. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of emphysema.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorder is not due to disease or injury incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The initial rating for tinnitus remains at 10 percent.

The veteran is seeking service connection for COPD with emphysema and acute bronchitis. The VA has conceded that the veteran had asbestos exposure while serving as a fireman in service. However, additional development is needed to determine if this exposure is related to his current respiratory disability.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorder, bronchitis, pleurisy/chest pains, bilateral hearing loss, and a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), finding that these conditions were not related to the veteran's active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for chronic asthmatic bronchitis and remanded it for further development, including a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied due to his failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD and for a TDIU rating, both effective November 21, 1996. The case was remanded to obtain medical records and readjudicate the claim for an increased rating for bronchitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of bronchitis or a psychiatric disorder, claimed as panic attacks. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and a pulmonary specialist's opinion on the veteran's bronchial asthma.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for chronic bronchitis, and thus denied the veteran's claim.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for chronic bronchitis is being remanded due to the need for new medical examination and additional development of his VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disorders, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the left knee. The evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), a myocardial infarction, memory loss, concentration loss and forgetfulness, blackouts, headaches and equilibrium problems secondary to head trauma, hives, dry skin, nose bleeds, lung disorders due to asbestos exposure, and tingling of the hands.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, hemorrhoids, and a cardiovascular disorder (hypertension).

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying the veteran's in-service personal assault and obtaining her service medical records. The veteran is also to be provided a VA examination to determine if her current PTSD diagnosis is related to an in-service stressor.