Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected chronic bronchitis with emphysema was denied as his FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC ratings were consistently greater than 40 to 55 percent predicted, and he did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and occupational experience, thus denying a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders.

The Board found no evidence of the claimed conditions during or within one year after service, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, including bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD, due to inservice exposure to asbestos is dismissed because the claim was received after June 9, 1998. The VCAA notice requirements were satisfied as per the timeline of events.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchitis is not related to his service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for bronchitis and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, chronic bronchitis and right knee disability, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board found no evidence of continuing problems with these conditions for many years after service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete records and further examination is needed.

The Board denied service connection for malaria, multiple sclerosis, and bronchitis/sinus condition as there was no evidence of in-service treatment or current diagnosis.

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the veteran's current lung conditions and his service, thus denying both claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and chronic bronchitis, bilateral hearing loss, dermatitis of the feet, and tinnitus. The claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease was not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 25, 1985, for the grants of service connection for various conditions was denied as there is no statutory authority to grant such a retroactive effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and gout, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity in service or a relationship to service-connected conditions. The claim for secondary service connection for right testicular pain due to urethral stricture is not addressed as it is not part of the appeal.